Acts 2:36-37

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

In his Pentecost sermon Peter carefully explained to his Jewish audience that what had happened had all been in fulfilment of God’s plans. He was very respectful of their patriarch King David but pointed out that, despite all his greatness, David had not risen from death, unlike Jesus the Messiah whom they had had a hand in crucifying. Peter’s sharp challenge pierced them to the heart and they wanted to know what to do in response.

I wonder whether you can think of a moment when you were pierced to the heart. It’s an agonising moment when you know that you cannot avoid the challenge that has been put to you. It reminds me of the time when King David was confronted by the prophet Nathan. David believed he had got away with his adultery with Bathsheba. He had married her, having successfully arranged the murder of her husband. But the prophet Nathan bravely confronted David by telling him the story of a rich man who had cruelly prepared a meal for a visitor by killing not one of his many sheep, but the one much loved little lamb that was the family pet of a very poor family. David seethed with anger and was determined that the rich man should make generous restitution to the abused family. Nathan said to David: “You are that man!” (2 Samuel 12:7) Ouch. David had to admit that he had done wrong and come before God in repentance.

It’s not easy to be challenged, but when we are confronted by the truth it is vital that we take action.

Question

When have you been deeply challenged by someone else’s words and what action did you take?

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for loving me so much that You confront me with the truth about myself. Amen