The Living Spirit

Scripture Reading — Acts 2:29-41

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said . . . “Brothers, what shall we do?’’
— Acts 2:37

After Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), he did exactly as he had promised his disciples. He had said, “I am going away, but then I will send you the Holy Spirit, who will guide you and be with you” (see John 16:1-15).

And as we read in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came dramatically on the disciples, and a huge crowd gathered in response. In the commotion, Peter stood up and preached his first sermon as an apostle. Notice that, just as Jesus did on the road to Emmaus, Peter explains the teachings of the Old Testament Scriptures about Jesus, the Messiah.

And when the people heard the gospel message about Jesus, they were cut to the heart and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

“Cut to the heart”—the listeners resonated deeply with all that Peter was telling them— not because of Peter’s eloquence but because of God’s Spirit working through Peter as he pointed people to the living Jesus. Three thousand people repented that day and began to follow Christ.

Jesus lives and continues to work among us in the world today. I wonder if you have had the experience of meeting Jesus, being cut to the heart, and committing yourself to follow him. Jesus welcomes you to embrace him as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, move our hearts today with the joyful announcement of a new beginning with you. Lead us into genuine repentance and trust in you. Amen.

Written by: Kevin DeRaaf