The Abundant Grace of God

April 22, 2021

“To this we are witnesses. And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” – Acts 3:15b-19

In boldness and truth, Peter addressed the crowd gathered at the portico of Solomon’s temple. He and John healed the lame beggar who lay day after day at the Beautiful gate. All who saw this man marveled at what had been done for him. They followed Peter and John to learn more about this power that could fully heal a man like this.

Peter wasted no time addressing his Jewish audience. In this address, it was Jesus whom Peter glorified as it was by the name of Jesus that this man was brought to perfect health. This was the same Jesus whom the Jews had betrayed and handed over to death on a cross. God had fulfilled his promises to the nation of Israel, and these Jewish people not only denied Jesus as the promised Messiah but crucified him as a criminal.

Peter spoke the truth with a measure of grace. Just as Jesus prayed from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34), so Peter reminded them that they acted in ignorance. In fact, Peter acknowledged that they were part of God’s plan; in that rejection of Jesus and his crucifixion, the Scriptures were fulfilled.

Peter will call them to turn from their ignorance and to see who they crucified. Jesus was and is the Son of God who came into the world to take away their sins. There was still time for them to repent and to be forgiven for their grievous sins. The call was to turn back to God.

It is hard to fathom such grace that it could extend even to those who spoke lies about Jesus, who condemned him, scourged him, beat him, and then drove the nails into his hands and side. God’s grace was and is so abundant that it was still available to those very people. It was a grace that would wipe their slate clean and allow them to be reconciled to the Father and to his Son.

Do you live in that abundant grace, and do you hold it out for those who feel they have strayed too far from the Lord? The Lord offers us this grace each day – there is grace for what is past, grace for the day, and then grace for every tomorrow. Let us live into this amazing grace then share it with others!

Reflection:
When people see you, do they see a person who has experienced amazing grace?