April 19, 2018
Acts 3:17-26 New Living Translation (NLT)
When we are warm and tired, something refreshing to drink is a great comfort. Sometimes in our spiritual life we need the refreshment of the Spirit for the draining difficulties of our natural life. We do not always know what has drained us or worn us out, but we are aware when we need refreshment.
Peter tells those who will listen about the refreshment that comes from the presence of the Lord. In ignorance, the people killed their Source of refreshment. So, Peter tells them how to reconnect and get the necessary refreshment for their spirits.
To enjoy heavenly refreshment, we must turn from our sinful self-preserving busy tendencies and rest in the holy work of Messiah who comes to liberate us and restore us. Our part is to cooperate with the restoration process.
Acts 3:17-26 New Living Translation (NLT)
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. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.
21 For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.’ 23 Then Moses said, ‘Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God’s people.’
24 “Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today. 25 You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.”
Prayer: Lord, whatever I need you to do to liberate me each day, please do it as I need your refreshing presence working in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.