Wednesday, December 30, 2009

winning over enemies

After reading Acts, chapter 3 I was struck with the Lord's attitude toward the very people who had clammored for his crucifixion several weeks earlier.  Peter has gained their attention by performing a miracle, just like the kind Jesus did, to heal a man who had been lame from birth and who was well known as a beggar at the temple entrance.  Peter seizes the opportunity to explain how the source of this miracle was the very same Jesus who they had turned in to Pilate.  But he goes beyond criticizing them to seek to win them for the Lord. 
Acts 3:17 "Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord"
 
How different is the Lord from most people.  Rather than revenge, He is more interested in rescuing the very ones who had Him suffer and die.  He knows they acted out of ignorance and that their actions ultimately led to the opportunity for their salvation.  His murderers now are given the chance to be forgiven and restored.  Jesus was more interested in winning over His enemies than He was in winning....over His enemies!
 
blessings,
Rob Smith

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