A Refreshing Turn

Scripture – Acts 3:17-21: ¹⁷“Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. ¹⁹Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. ²¹He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Reflection: – Once again (together with yesterday’s reading) the basic preaching of the early church is reiterated: Jesus Christ lived, died, was raised and is coming again. Peter was ready with this message whenever the opportunity to share it came up.

I like the phrasing of vs. 19. There’s the call to repent. “Repent” means most simply “turn around.” Stop moving or looking away from Christ and turn toward Him. As a result of doing that our sins are “wiped out.” God’s forgiveness is such a wonderful, grace-full gift.

Also, as I turn, a time of “refreshing” comes from Him. It’s like new life is breathed into me. A new beginning is before me. I am made fresh again. I can’t count how many times I’ve experienced this.

How would you describe it? How have you experienced repentance? How has God’s refreshing spirit affected you?