Reading: Acts 2:38
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Repent—Baptized—Forgiven—Receive.
Not the known ritual repentance of synagogue and temple worship to be made
right in God’s eyes. Not any less accountable. Not any less to commit to by
heart and head.
Yet so much more given by grace instead of by works. A new foundation
of relationship. Astonishing! Holy Spirit given as a gift. To walk alongside.
To assist in keeping God’s laws within and without. To abide forever! Washed
and forgiven.
How trustingly do we accept this gift? How trustingly do we extend it
to others? Especially those against us. When we are wronged by either friend or
foe? Do we mirror God’s gift of grace to us or expect a long list of emotional
legal restitution before we agree to consider forgiveness?
What about when we sin again to others? Or against ourselves. How
willing are we to accept God’s restoration His way instead of substituting our
version of being sorry? Because we can’t quite believe His ongoing grace.
Lord, your gift of Your Spirit continues to astonish us when we are
willing to listen. Guide our hearts into Your repentance, mercy, and forgiveness.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
