A MISSION WITH A MESSAGE
Acts 3:12–20, 24–26
Wallet, keys, phone. Repeat. Check. These three items are necessary, and then I am out the door. It seems I go through this mindless routine every day. Each part of this trio is essential for me to get through the day. Without the wallet, I would lack my driver’s license and money. Keys enable transportation, and the phone is a lifeline for many tasks a pastor handles in his ministry.
If I realize I have forgotten any of these items, I will go back home and get them. Because I own these things, for some reason I believe I am ready to face the day. But am I truly? The reality is, we can become so used to a routine that we forget our greater purpose and mission — to be prepared to share Jesus every day.
Our world can be a dark place and as Christians, we carry the hope and light that others so desperately need.
Christ died, but God raised Him from the dead. (12–15)
As strange as it may sound, one of my prayers is that when God does something miraculous, I will not be surprised. He is faithful and all-powerful and when He reveals Himself in amazing ways, I should not be shocked but I should be thankful. This can only come from a life that has repeatedly seen God at work. Peter was a passionate person and when a miracle occurred, he was quick to point others to Jesus.
He used this miracle as a reminder to those who needed Christ for salvation. He reminded them of the prophecies about Jesus, the power of Jesus and most lasting of all, His atoning death. It is this message that Peter gave his life to share, and we should be willing to do the same.
Repentance and faith in Christ restore us to God. (16–20)
With so many false teachers and heresy in our churches today, these verses are a breath of fresh air. The basis of all physical healing is found in the activity and name of Jesus. Too many people are led astray and discouraged as a result of being told they will remain in their illness due to a lack of faith or weak belief. In these verses, Peter once again made a quick and deliberate reference to Christ and the cross. He implored the people to seek Christ and the forgiveness He can give.
The miracle was simply an opportunity to open the door to sharing the gospel. These verses can give us hope even if we never experience physical healing. Verse 19 tells us our sins can be wiped away if we simply repent and go to Jesus.
We are blessed through our relationship with God through Christ. (24–26)
Through our relationship with Jesus, we have all the spiritual blessings we need to live a good and godly life. Also, because of the sacrifice He made on the cross, our salvation is secure. That is hope for tomorrow, and these few verses also remind us we have hope for today when we sin. He is calling us all to turn from this world and follow Him. Don’t forget your relationship each day as you begin your work or ministry. Forgetting your phone is one thing, but neglecting Jesus would make for an awful day.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
