Julie Hinz
[Peter said], “And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets.” (Acts 3:17-21)
Just prior to this passage we see the lame man healed in the temple. What a miracle! And what a gift for those present to witness such an act. And now Peter paves the way for all those present to see this miracle in the whole of God’s purpose in their world and their own response to that purpose; it is time for them to turn toward the truth. The key to this turning is the recognition of their own ignorance and that of their leaders. Peter does not ask them “if” they have sinned but tells them, yes. You were ignorant and sinful. Now, you are no longer ignorant. You have seen the power of God. It is time to repent and turn to God so that you might have salvation.
We are invited as well, to see our own ignorance, to recognize God’s plan for our healing and salvation, to repent and be renewed. A simple and yet most difficult task that must be undertaken daily. Just as the lame man was forever changed, we are called to that same life-changing act, of not only recognizing our sin but being reborn into a people focused on solely on God’s purpose.
Prayer: Great healer, create in us clean hearts, open minds, and willing spirits so that we might hear your call to repent and change, moving away from human ignorance and sin and into wisdom, understanding, and a desire to live into your purpose every day. Amen.
Encounters With Christ 