SECOND CHANCE ; REPENT AND MOVE ON

SCRIPTURE

Acts 3:9-19 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.

Peter Preaches in the Temple

12 Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? 13 For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s decision to release him. 14 You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!

16 “Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes.

17 “Friends,* I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. 18 But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

OBSERVATION

"This is the same guy you crucified because of your ignorance. Now repent and turn to God, your sins will be wiped away" . Despite everything they have done, the Saviour was not angry , yet willing to accept those who had repented. So simple? They released a prisoner, crucified him and yet the father was so magnanimous in his actions. Even the simplest of misactions makes us angry. We hope that "justice is served" praying that "vengeance belongs to the Lord" instead of " Father forgive them".

APPLICATION

My heart is troubled. Many have taken advantage of me. Many has mocked me. Many has made me feel "Is Christianity worth it?" and doubt my faith wondering if a holy life makes sense at all. I must forgive. I hope that like Jesus, I am able to forgive others 77  times 7.

PRAYER

Lord, my heart is hart. Please soften me. As you have me a infinite chances of repentance, help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. Thank you LOrd. Amen.