Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Scripture

“Now when they had heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’” Acts 2:37

Reflections

They were cut to the heart.

Peter had just concluded telling the story to his Jewish audience.  Jesus was a good innocent man.  He was handed over to the Jews.  They had him crucified and killed.  But God raised him up.

The Jews within the crowd heard the story and felt convicted.  They could feel it within their gut.  They felt responsible for a horrible wrong that could not be undone.  All they could do was look to Peter and ask; “What should we do?”

When we share the story of Jesus Christ with others, the story should convict people.  If they have any conscience at all, they should feel the injustice deep within their gut.  It will call them to respond.  If we persist as a “nice Christians”, avoiding the harsh realities of life, people stand the risk of never feeling convicted.  They may never get to the point of deep soul-searching honesty.  They may never feel the urge to turn to God with truly repentant hearts.

The good news is that conviction is not the final word.  Jesus’ death on the cross was to forgive those whose hearts are turned to Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving me, a sinner in need of a Savior.  Help me to speak the truth in love to those who need to hear it.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Acts :14a, 36-41