Acts 2:38-42
Peter said, “Turn back to
God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be
forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for
you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no
matter where they live.”
Peter told them many other things as
well. Then he said, “I beg you to save yourselves from what will happen
to all these evil people.” On that day about three thousand believed his
message and were baptized. They spent their time learning from the
apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread
and prayed together.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Three-year-olds
can as a LOT of questions…and most start with the word “Why?” And this
is a question I have asked myself quite often lately. WHY do we do
some of the things I do? WHY do we make sure our little ones get to
church almost every Sunday? WHY do I spend time writing daily
devotionals? WHY does Greg spend a good part of his Monday mornings (and
sometimes other days) delivering Meals on Wheels to some fourteen
people…and take time to stop and visit with them, inquire about their
well-being, offer a smile and a word or two of encouragement? WHY does
he do so much for so many others every week, including me? WHY do we
give to charitable organizations and contribute to our church? WHY do
we do what we can to share kindness and the love of Christ with others?
In a nutshell, WHY do we bother? Because, as I understand
scripture - and as Jesus demonstrated in saving the thief on the cross -
we don’t technically have to do any of these things in order to be
cleansed of our sins by the blood of Jesus. As long as we confess our
sins and give our heart to Jesus, we are still guaranteed a seat at His
table in heaven…and a “mansion” all our own. So why bother with serving
Jesus on this earth? What does it really matter?
The answer
lies in this scripture passage from Acts 2…and throughout the New
Testament writings. Peter demonstrated this by preaching and
teaching…by telling others about Jesus. In the Living Bible, verse 40
says that he “preached a long sermon, telling about Jesus.” And then we
read that they crowd fellowshipped together and even shared a meal and
prayer time…that they treated each other like family.
Suppose you
were up to your ears in debt and had a mountain of troubles, ranging
from health issues to figuring out how to juggle a job and family
obligations…and someone stepped in to help you – a “benefactor” of sorts
who paid your debts, physically aided you with other challenges, and
was generally available whenever and however you needed assistance.
This person assured you that nothing was required in return…that this
was a gift to you bestowed out of love and concern.
At the very
least, wouldn’t you want to treat this person with the utmost respect
and care? Wouldn’t you seek ways to do little things for someone who
did so much for you? Wouldn’t take every opportunity to speak kindly of
this person to others…to let them know that he/she was someone for whom
you had utmost admiration and esteem?
Substitute Jesus for this
“benefactor” - and your sins for the debts. Insert your daily
challenges for the issues that a human being might help you with and
think of how the Holy Spirit helps you navigate the choppy waters of
life. Now ask yourself WHY you would serve the needy, encourage those
in your circle of influence to worship, and demonstrate kindness and
concern to others. It’s because these things are the least we can do
for the ONE who has done everything for us.
Jesus doesn’t
require this of us…although He did call us to serve. He doesn’t stomp
His foot or “write us out of the will” if we don’t comply. Jesus
doesn’t want us to serve out of obligation…but out of love and
appreciation for all that He has given us. And this is why I do what I
do - out of profound gratitude and affection for my Lord and Savior…my
Jesus! What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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