“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.  But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.  Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:17-19)

     Onlookers were amazed at the miracle of making a lame man walk.  Peter explains that it was not his power, it was the power of God that made this happen.  This was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the one they knew and heard about throughout history.

      Then Peter explained that the people “acted in ignorance,” while the Messiah walked among them. They did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.  Now they were faced with the truth, and it was time for them to repent and turn to God.

     What does it take for us to recognize Jesus for who he is, and to know of his redeeming power?  We can all be aware of a God who works miracles, and the greatest miracle that can happen is when we turn our hearts to God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, search our hearts.  Thank you for giving us a chance to repent and to know the joy of salvation, which can only come from you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.