Jesus. All About Life.Sample

Reflection

I love what Acts 2:36-38 says about Jesus:

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The resurrected Jesus wasn’t MADE Lord and MADE Christ in the sense that someone created him, but this is a declaration that he IS both Lord and Messiah. Our salvation would mean nothing if Jesus isn’t Lord and Messiah or if the resurrection didn’t happen. Here Peter is reminding believers to be assured of these truths, that Jesus is the anointed one, the deliverer, the resurrected one, and humanity’s hope.

When people were reminded of the truth of whom they had crucified, they were cut to the heart; they were convicted to move into action. How were they to live in a way that displayed this truth - that Jesus wasn’t just the SON of Man, but he was also Lord of Mankind.

Peter gives a weighty but straightforward answer, “Repent and be baptised,” our surrender to Jesus first starts at repentance. Peter asks believers to look at our human hearts’ condition, re-think and re-align our lives, so it is pleasing to God. Peter is echoing prophets like Joel, who said everyone who calls on the name of the Lord would be saved, and the Lord’s name is Jesus. He is the one who brings truth and light and life. All of this becomes possible through the work of the Holy Spirit in us.

Action Point:

What are the things you know aren’t pleasing to God and His holiness in your life? How can you re-align your thoughts and words and actions so they honour our Lord and Messiah? How do you bring the light of Jesus to those around you?

Prayer:

My prayer is simple. As we lead up to Easter and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Messiah, I pray that there will be a new revelation and a renewed surrender at the feet of the cross. That the mercy and grace of the King of kings will surround us as the Holy Spirit continues to do a work in our hearts, encouraging and guiding and convicting us as we navigate this season and apply it to our lives. Amen.

About the writer

Eva is a high-school teacher, youth leader, foster mum, and wife. She also serves as part of the Teaching Team at her church and has led several service trips to the Philippines and Kenya. Spending her teen years in foster care and group homes, Eva has a passion for vulnerable people and for teaching the word of God in tangible ways.