“. . . that seasons of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Acts 3:19
When difficult times arise, one may tend to think only of “survival” instead of “revival.” Every expert in the medical and science field, and many naturalists and health enthusiasts, have imparted vital insight into “survival.” And, for this we are grateful. But what about “revival.” Can this not be as much a time for revival as survival? The late Billy Graham defined “revival” in part as a renewed sense of God. So, how can we have a renewed sense of God?
“Seasons of refreshing.” How does that sound?
I realize that one day sickness, disease, conflicts and wars will be no more. And although we face such challenges in the present, we daily trust God’s power, mercy, and presence with us.
Because our hope is most certainly in God, why not anticipate a season of refreshing now, even in the midst of the crisis. Acts 3 represents the one location in all of the Bible where we find such a reference (the context of the “sermon” Peter preached at Solomon’s colonnade inside the temple in response to the healing of the lame man):
“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 seasons of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah who has been appointed to you – even Jesus.” (Acts 3:17-20)
This significant phrase – seasons of refreshing, references the following:
1. HOPE. Regardless of the ignorance and opposition of man (Acts 3:17), God fulfilled all the promises that Christ would suffer (on the cross) to bear the sins of many (Acts 3:18). Seasons of refreshing come through the hope we have in Christ – the definite assurance of our salvation. The Bible describes such hope as a “living hope” (I Peter 1:3), meaning that Jesus’ resurrection from the dead has become to pattern and ordained power for our own resurrection. We have life eternal and abundant. This is indeed a living hope that should at this very moment refresh the soul.
2. THE REALITY OF FORGIVENESS. I love the imagery of sin being wiped away (Greek: exaleiphó). This indicates thorough action, and our God, through Jesus, wipes away sin – and the stain of sin, thoroughly. On that day in the temple, Peter’s sermon called the Israelite audience to repent so that their sins could be forgiven forever. Sin separates from God and causes an anguish and depravity that damages, destroys, and brings death. This is the sum total of what sin ultimately offers. The Bible describes the downward spiral of sin (James 1:14-15): temptation leads to one being carried away by lust; lust conceives sin; sin begins a spiritual decay that leads to death. This is as good as sin gets. While sinful involvement may seem enjoyable for a moment, the only result is damage, destruction, and death. But GOD being rich in His mercy toward us, even while we were yet sinners, sent Christ to die for us (Romans 5:8). In such a devastating context as sin, this promise of God’s mercy rings out strong. So, today allow the truth of this forgiveness to refresh your soul. Say to yourself even as the Psalmist did long ago, “why so downcast O my soul – put your hope in God” (Psalm 43:5). If you have repented and your faith is in Christ, then be refreshed in your soul. If you have never turned to Jesus in this way, now is that time, “so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts3:19)
3. OUR FUTURE WITH JESUS. Peter reminded his audience that day in the temple that forgiveness of sin and new life is the immediate blessing, but the blessing will be completely fulfilled when we are with Jesus in Heaven. “He will send Jesus, appointed for you” (Acts 3:20). This references our Lord returning to gather His church and our certain place with Him forever. Eternal life! His Kingdom! Beginning now in the hearts of those who trust Him! This most certainly refreshes the soul. John Charles Ellicott, distinguished English theologian and author (1819-1905), wrote of this truth, “For every church, or nation, or family, those “times of refreshing” come as the sequel of a true conversion, and prepare the way for a more complete restoration.”
Today, do you need a time of refreshing for your soul? Remember your living hope in Christ. Remember that your sins have been wiped away. You have been redeemed. Remember your future with Jesus forever, which is not too far away. Remember these truths. Live in them. Dwell upon them more than you dwell upon the crisis of the moment.
Don’t just survive! Revive! Let seasons of refreshing come to you right now!
Blessings,
Ken
