"What shall we do?"
37 When the people heard this, they felt guilty and asked Peter and the other apostles, “What shall we do?”
38 Peter said to them, “Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each 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.39 This promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away. It is for everyone the Lord our God calls to himself.”
40 Peter warned them with many other words. He begged them, “Save yourselves from the evil of today’s people!”41 Then those people who accepted what Peter said were baptized. About three thousand people were added to the number of believers that day.42 They spent their time learning the apostles’ teaching, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together.
There could be no greater guilty feeling than that of having crucified the Son of God. Gripped with remorse at realizing their sin, the people ask, "What shall we do?" This was exactly the right question to ask. Those who believed turned away from their sin and were willing to do whatever necessary to make it right. The comfort is that they were taken immediately into the fold! And they spent time learning, sharing, praying together with the disciples.
Adam and Eve had a different response to their guilt. They hid. Achan also hid. This was not a favorable response to God, and had unfavorable consequences. But when these crucifiers on Pentecost came saying, "What shall we do?", God brought them into the fold. They were cleansed, they were made into new creations.
I think sometimes I don't ask this question enough. I try to problem-solve, try to escape, or try to hide. I am reminded today of the grand and simple truth that when I come to God asking, He will answer. He will wash me, He will teach me, and He will give me a community. I like this outcome so much better than my own methods produce for me! Lord, here am I. I have experienced this cleansing from having crucified the Son of God. Thank you! I have so much more to learn, so much more bread to share, and so many more prayers to be prayed. Help me to walk daily, growing in this Your style of true repentance and humility. I love You. Amen.
Created over 2 years ago
