Mark 16:19-20
Luke 24:50-53
Acts 1:1-2:47
Acts 2:40-41, “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
In Newton’s law of physics, he stated that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The same could be said about the name of Jesus! Since His birth, no other name has elicited so many reactions.
Jesus’ followers knew He was no ordinary man. They watched as He taught, performed miracles, and spoke with such authority that it could only come from God. Prior to His ascension, He gave clear instructions to go and spread His message of hope and salvation.
Peter and John were some of the witnesses boldly communicating to those who opposed Jesus. Passionate Peter couldn’t hide the truth — HE HAD TO SHARE! Standing before a large crowd, he unabashedly proclaimed Jesus as Lord: “Let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah.” Wow, that’s brave! He wanted them to turn to Christ and, at the same time, blamed them for His crucifixion. Surely this stirred up a wide range of emotions! Many of them were probably a little weak in the knees because they’d been part of the mob yelling, “Crucify Him!” as Jesus stood before Pilate. And some of them who helped decide Jesus’ fate were probably still skeptical or angered by Peter’s words.
But God is always at work and convicts hearts at the mere mention of Jesus’ name. Peter urged the people to repent from their sin, turn to Christ and go public with their faith through baptism. And Peter strongly warned them that NOW was the time to get right with God.
As they listened to Peter that day, 3,000 people’s hearts were forever changed. Herein lies an important truth: A word of warning is only beneficial if it’s heeded and applied. So, if you have yet to make Jesus the Lord of your life — truly consider this word of warning. If you already know Christ personally, remember that, like Peter, you have been called to share God’s absolute truth, love, and hope with those around you.
Dear God, Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins and rise again to secure my future home in heaven. Convict my heart so that I may heed words of warning and walk within Your will every day. Amen.