After giving a lecture to the people who were standing around gawking at a man who had just been healed about how the power to perform this came from the Jesus they rejected and hung on the cross, Peter says this:
Repent therefore, and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
We’ve talked a lot about repentance here, but today I want to talk about the last part of that verse. Have you ever felt the need for refreshing? I know I have many times. “Life do get tedious sometimes” as my mother used to say, and we get tired in our walk. At such times, we long for a time of peace and refreshment.
Here he is specifically discussing those who are sin-sick and in need of refreshment. The principle works for all, however, because Jesus is the source of refreshment, peace, rest, and everything else we need.
For the lost:
Those who have rejected Jesus walk around in the darkness. They seek to meet their needs in sin, but sin leads to death. It’s like having a cancer that slowly eats you away from the inside. I heard recently of a woman who found out she had cancer two weeks before she died. She had walked around with this cancer around her and had no idea it was killing her.
Jesus is the healer:
Jesus heals the sin-sick soul. He brings His righteousness and His refreshment and His healing to the person who turns to Him, the great Physician.
For followers:
While we have the refreshment and healing that comes from choosing to repent and follow Jesus, we still have a rough row to hoe at times and need refreshment. Imagine a farmer out tending to his crops. Those of you who do farm will understand the work it takes to bring in that crop. It’s long, hard, exhausting work. When you come in from the field, you need refreshment. You don’t just think, hmm, I’d like some refreshment; you go after it. You probably need a drink the most, but you also need sustenance and rest to rebuild you for the work to come the next day.
Jesus is the refresher:
Esau, after a hard day of hunting, came in to smell the stew his brother, Jacob, had prepared. He needed refreshment so much; he was willing to give up his birthright for it. He is an example of a person trying to get refreshment through sin. It may have felt good for a while, but it was very temporary – unlike his decision to give up his birthright.
Jesus is the Living Water:
Falling Water Falls (Photo credit: dbarronoss)
When Jesus refreshes, it’s not a temporary thing. As long as we’re walking with Him, we will be refreshed. It’s like having a living water IV.
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14
Bread (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Jesus is the Bread of Life:
Along with providing Living Water, Jesus also provides the Bread of Life. This bread fills us and gives us the strength to keep going. It refreshes and provides life – abundant life!
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35
Jesus is the Light of Life:
Have you ever walked into a dark house and stumbled over something? It refreshes to turn on the light so you can see what’s in front of you. Jesus provides the eternal Light that shows us the way.
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)
Jesus: He’s the real thing! Refresh (Photo credit: katerha)
Jesus is Everything we Need:
Do you need refreshment? Take a moment to cuddle up close to Jesus and receive the refreshment He offers. It’s better than anything sin has to offer for sure. Taste and see that the Lord, He is good!
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8
Descriptions of Christ http://www.parentcompany.com/awareness_of_god/doctoc.htm
- refreshed. (capesmama.wordpress.com)