June 15, 2021 - Acts 3:11- 26

We have begun a Bible study on learning how to share Jesus with others on Sunday evenings. It has been an inspiring class and the material has been useful to remind myself and others to know that God has empowered every Christian to share Jesus as opportunities arise. At one point in the second chapter, the author states that we are to be looking for opportunities or divine appointments throughout each day to share Christ’s love!

Peter was certainly given an opportunity as the Spirit of God healed a man that had been lame since birth. As the man leaped and praised God, a crowd began to gather. They too wanted to see the result of the miracle and hear the praises this man proclaimed! Peter quickly assessed the situation and began to proclaim a message that was urgently needed by the people who had gathered.

While the miracle itself was exciting and was used by God to draw a crowd, it is the words of Peter that had eternal significance. Peter took the multitude and quickly drew their attention from the miracle to the miracle worker Himself! He declared the God they served had glorified the One (Jesus) they denied, rejected, and had killed. God raised Jesus from the dead and this miraculous act is the result of the lame man placing faith in the resurrected Jesus (vv.12-16)!

Peter then confronts their ignorance (v.17), unrepentance, and need to receive the message that God gave their ancestors. In recognition of their condition, they were to turn from their iniquities in repentance (vv.17-26). Peter’s words were stiletto-like as they pierced the hearts and minds of that crowd. The result, a large number (about five thousand) of men came to believe in Christ that day (4:4).

Peter took the opportunity God gave and saw it as a divine opportunity to share Christ’s forgiveness with those who suddenly were attentive and receptive. We will have opportunities to share with receptive people as well today, will we be ready? It could be that God opens a conversation or allows a situation to occur that allows Jesus to be introduced. At the market, gas station, park, or along the fence with a neighbor, the moment may arise when we can present Jesus to someone. Pray today for boldness, sensitivity, and words to speak that will help someone come to Jesus. Our study on Sunday evening stated that we cannot share with the wrong person. We can be used by the Lord to plant the seed, water a growing soul or perhaps lead someone to Christ (1 Cor. 3:6). As we speak and share Christ, God provides the increase!