Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (NRSV)
Read Acts 2:14a, 36-41 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Verse 36Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified."
Verse 37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Verse 38Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Verse 39For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." Verse 40And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Verse 41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
Devotion
Peter spoke and they were "cut to the heart." When in your life have you felt God cutting to the heart of you? God worked through Peter's words to cut through all the layers of hurt, sorrow, pain and doubt that surrounded the hearts of those listening. Peter called them to repent. Repentance is about turning back to God. That turning back sets a theme for the readings for this week. God’s activity in the world breaks into our daily lives—even when we don’t expect it—calling us to follow.
When I was eighteen years old God cut to the heart of me and my mom. We were looking for a new church after being gone for two years. We decided to try out another church. All I remember from that worship service is the pastor kept saying "Jesus" during the sermon. That one word cut to my heart. We got in the car after the service and both of us knew this was the church for us. The name of Jesus called us to turn back and return to church.
Prayer
Loving God, speak to our hearts and help us to turn back to you, sharing your love and grace for all. Amen.