Day 10: The Gospel-Action
The Gospel preached by Peter had six chapters: five for the story of what God is up to and one for each of us to fill out with our response. Think of that! God invites and enables you to write yourself into his story. Many have set out to author books of their own, but this is one opportunity you won’t want to pass by.
In the movie “Dead Poet’s Society”, a high school teacher (played by the late Robin Williams) quotes Walt Whitman’s answer to the question of what is good about life: “That you are here—that life exists and identity, that the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse” (“O Me! O Life!” from Leaves of Grass). The professor then asks, “What will your verse be?”
Peter knew the shape of our verses: “Repent and be baptized, every 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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38–39).
We all sin in many ways, but we must choose to repent in specific ways as the Lord himself directs. This requires much more than merely “accepting” Jesus into a life that remains basically the same. The essential thing is that Jesus accepts you. Again, Peter helps us when he said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34–35).
Question to Consider:
What is one particular “right” thing that God is directing you to do today?
Prayer
By Dr. Bob Stallman