BLESSINGS OF GOD’S PRESENCE (4)

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that TIMES of REFRESHING may come from the PRESENCE of the LORD” – Acts 3:19

Times of Refreshing flow out of the BLESSINGS of GOD’S PRESENCE: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that TIMES of REFRESHING may come from the PRESENCE of the LORD” (Acts 3:19). This scripture immediately follows the healing of a lame man who was lying outside the gates of the Temple. It forms part of Peter’s explanation to his onlookers, of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected from the dead. The phenomenal miracle set the stage for this appeal by Peter to the people, to repent and be converted, in order to receive and enjoy Times of Refreshing – Seasons of Renewal, Revival and Restoration!

Peter, in his sermon, had just experienced the great refreshing of the former, or early rain. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he spoke of the greater refreshing of the latter rain, prior to the Lord’s Second Coming. He exhorted his hearers to repent unto the blotting out of their sins, that seasons of refreshing may come from God’s Presence. The restoration of the lame man to wholeness signifies one of the diverse manifestations of Times of Refreshing. From the Presence of the Lord flow: Restoration of health to the world, and miraculous overcoming of sin, diseases, and demons, by the Name of Jesus. Jesus died and rose so that we might live. He was wounded so that we, by the power of His name, might be healed. He was accused of unjust things, so that we, before the throne of God, might be justified and sanctified.

These blessings are real and true now! Life, health, joy, peace, comfort – are available to whosoever believes, in the Name of Jesus, by the power of the Spirit. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, God’s Kingdom has been launched on earth and her citizens can exercise over sin, Satan, and every work of evil. Peter and John carried no silver or gold, but they had the priceless power in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:6). They were meek, but walked in miracles. They were humble carriers of healing power. They were blessed as they ‘lived’ in the Presence of the Lord, and became a blessing. The records of God’s covenant people – typified by Abraham and Moses – followed similar trajectory (vv. 22-25). God elected Abraham to bless nations. God elected David to bless others. Now, He has elected His Church in the Blessing Business!

God sent His Servant- His Son – to bless humanity! Peter told his Jewish audience: “To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, SENT HIM to BLESS YOU, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities” (v.26). The Jews were, in turn, raised to be a blessing to the rest of the world. To live the Blessed Life is not about amassing material wealth or pursuing popularity and ephemeral fame. It is about being forgiven, saved, and blessed by Jesus, to be a blessing to others in one’s location and generation. We cannot buy salvation. We cannot buy repentance. We cannot buy health – real, enduring, and lasting health. And we cannot buy refreshing for our souls. It is only in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the living testimony of that work witnessed by His Church, that true blessings are found.

To live blessed in Christ is to choose to walk with God through every circumstance, good or bad, sharing a joyful spirit, and being a blessing always. Knowing Jesus and walking hand-in-hand with Him gives us the confidence to live life fully and joyfully. We may not always “feel” excited. But we don’t have to look far to find Joy. God promised that in His Presence there is fullness of Joy (Psa.16:11). It’s not about feelings, but Faith! Humanity is under a strong siege. The world tries to apply the choke of corruption and saturate hearts and minds with sin and iniquity. But the Believer who abides in God’s Presence, can constantly enjoy Seasons of Refreshing, Renewal, Revival, and Restoration.