Read Acts 3:11-19
Don’t Act Surprised.
After Peter and John healed the lame beggar in the name of Jesus, the man hung on to Peter and John in the temple. People were astonished and began running to them. Peter took this opportunity to speak to the crowd saying, “Why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power and goodness we had made this man walk?” Peter preached that God himself glorified Jesus as the Scripture spoke of him and it is in his name, and his name only, that people can be healed.
Peter blames the Jews for Jesus’ death by saying, you handed him over to be killed. You disowned him before Pilate. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and had a murderer released instead of Jesus. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And now, you’re beginning to see miracles done, by faith, in the name of Jesus. In compassion, Peter says, “I know you acted in ignorance.” But be encouraged because all this had to happen in order for Scripture to be fulfilled and for forgiveness to occur. Therefore: Repent from sins. Turn to God for forgiveness. Then experience the refreshing that comes from the Lord.
Let us learn from and take heed to the words Peter said:
1. “Why Does This Surprise You?” We shouldn’t be surprised when we see God do great things. Is God doing great things in and through your life? Then share these miracles of God.
2. “It’s Not By Our Power Or Righteousness.” Share the testimonies of God but be careful not to take credit. Give all the glory to God.
3. “You Acted In Ignorance.” I can say with great accuracy that I have let God down a lot. May we all repent of our sins and continually turn to God for forgiveness.
4. Experience “Refreshing from the Lord.” the Greek word for refreshing means “spiritual rejuvenation,” “reviving a soul that is weary,” or “representing one’s spirit who can breathe again in newness.” Are you living in bondage from the enemy or have you experienced the REFRESHING from the Lord? It’s available to you.
