Signs

How often do you pay attention to signs? You know, like road signs or building signs. Whether it’s a sign telling you to how far away you are from a destination, or a warning sign telling you to avoid heading down a certain path, or a sign outside the store telling you about the benefits you receive, we understand the significance of signs.

Signs point beyond themselves to something else. Signs provide information, give direction, promote or warn. Signs spur the viewer into action.

When I think of all the signs that I encounter in a week, I am reminded of the early signs that were performed by the apostles. In Acts 3, we observe the sign of healing that was performed by Peter and John. It was a miracle that came with a message. It was intended to draw the audience’s attention to the risen and exalted Christ. It was intended to spur the crowd to repentance and faith in Jesus.

As we reflected on Acts 3 on Sunday, the miracle Peter performed and the message he proclaimed should cause us to pause and consider the characters that were involved as we seek its relevance for our lives.
 
Who do you relate to in the story?

#1 - Consider the Crippled Beggar 
"But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” (Acts 3:6-8)

The lame man was born with an ailment, and he couldn’t do anything to fix it on his own. We are in a similar situation spiritually apart from Christ.

We enter the world spiritually crippled, poor, and helpless. Unable to provide for ourselves what we truly need in our life. Our only hope is Jesus. Salvation is accomplished by the power of Christ.

Our heart response should be similar. Leap with joy and praise God! Participate in community life together.

Are you praising God for the miracle of salvation?
Do you praise God for the changed life that has taken place?
Would others notice that a miracle has taken place in your life?

#2 - Consider the Crowd

Following this miracle, the crowd was filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened.

And then, Peter said to them: “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you” (Acts 3:17-20)

Peter tells them to repent and turn back, and they would receive the benefits of total forgiveness, spiritual refreshment, and full restoration.

Even though they had crucified Jesus, the offer of salvation was still available.
Even though we have sinned time and time again, the offer still stands. We are never too far gone or too lost that God’s merciful hand can’t reach out and rescue us.

You can be forgiven of all your sins, by repenting and trusting in Jesus to save you!

Have you repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus to save you?

#3 - Consider the Christ-followers

The disciples saw this moment as an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. They used this miracle to spread the hope of the gospel.

Take the opportunities that you have been given to share the good news of Jesus.

Who can you share the good news of Jesus with this week?

For this week: Read Acts 4:1-22