8 April 2021 Easter Thursday
You are the descendants of the prophets and of the covenant that God gave to your ancestors, saying to Abraham, “And in your descendants all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you, to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.’
Acts 3:11-26, NRSV
In the buzz of excitement following the healing of the lame man, Peter seizes on the opportunity to talk again to a large crowd. Firstly, he emphasises that the healing was not achieved by his own power but in the name of Jesus. Peter then acknowledges that the people and their religious leaders acted from lack of understanding in handing Jesus over to death but explains that their actions were necessary to fulfil the prophecies that the Messiah would suffer and die. Peter reminds the people of God’s abiding love for Israel and gives them yet another opportunity to repent and be saved. Peter presents a God who will always go the “extra mile” for his people and who longs to grant them forgiveness and salvation.
- How do you think the people would have responded to Peter’s message?
- How does it feel to know that forgiveness and salvation are offered to all?
Give thanks for God’s saving presence in your life and pray for those who feel undeserving of this.
