Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Wednesday prior to Easter 3

 


Acts3:11-21 – Peter warns his hears to repent of the sin of crucifying Christ done in ignorance. The Christ who the prophets foretold and whom God raised for the people’s blessing comes with healing and blessing.

The people were astounded at Peters’ healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Peter explained what and how it happened. He tells the people that the Jesus they killed was raise by God. This was no accident, for it was foretold by the prophets. What can they do about their crime of crucifixion? They are to repent, have their sins forgiven, and receive refreshment from God.  

Once again Peter speaks to onlookers concerning the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. The miracle is not found in the healing of man but it the fact that the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus.

In v. 19 there is a wonderful word concerning the fate of your sin. For Jesus’ sake, God ‘blots’ out your sin when you return in repentance and faith. It is as though Jesus were a cosmic blotter which God the Father lets down from heaven to soak up the ink of our sin. When these sins are absorbed, there is no trace of sin. You are spotless! 1

A Morning Prayer: Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit; keep safe our going out and our coming in and let Your blessing remains with us throughout this day; preserve us in You righteousness and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus; through whom b e glory and praise to You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. 2

Sources:
The 1877 painting “The road to Emmaus,” Robert Zünd 1826-1909 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

1. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

2.  A Morning Prayer, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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