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| The Luncheon, Claude Monet |
Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be
wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the
Lord (Acts 3:19).
These words were spoken by the
Apostle Peter when he explained to the Jewish people that they had disowned and
put to death the Prince of Life, Jesus the Messiah; that He was the one the
prophets had spoken of who would suffer for our sins, and that God had raised Him
from the dead. Peter tells them that he knows they acted in ignorance and calls
them to repent.
What struck me about this
verse as I read it today was that in repenting and returning to God, we find
refreshing in His presence. This is what most of us are trying to find—refreshing
amid the struggles of life. Oh, to be able to
convince those who think they have no need of God! How often we live our lives
in ignorance of what is true and right. Oh, to be more aware of that myself when I
struggle with my own ignorance!
Jesus the Christ is the very
one who brings times of refreshing. His ways are not grievous. They are the very antithesis of that. His
ways are the refreshing waters for our spiritual drought.
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
(Psalm 16:11)
Painting ~ The Luncheon 1872, Claude Monet 1840-1926
Wiki Commons public domain
Wiki Commons public domain
