Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to all the word with which the LORD your God sends you to us.” – Jeremiah 42:5
Did your parents ever tell you to do something and you replied, “Don’t worry; consider it done”? And then, later, it became apparent that it was not, in fact, done?
Maybe you did what you said you would do, but I recall awkward moments trying to explain why the trash can did not make it to the curb before the truck got there, why the dog did not get walked in time to prevent domestic regrets, and why the gas gauge read empty. Worldly distractions are a powerful force in a teenager’s life. Worldly distractions don’t seem to vanish after high school.
I recall the Christmas that the grades from my first semester at college had arrived in the mail at my father’s house before I arrived. My father had asked me a number of times how the school year was going. I had replied something like, “Don’t worry; I’m studying; things are going well.” I recall my father’s opening the envelope in front of the family, including in front of my girlfriend. My now-wife Debbie recalls it, too. My father seemed smug as he unsealed and read aloud the disappointing grades. I doubt that I will ever forget my profound embarrassment.
That day, my father was a true and faithful witness against me, since I did not act according to the words that I had said. I might not have fully learned my lesson that day – my emotions likely blocked some of my discernment – but I began to appreciate that I can say what I need to do and still not act on it.
In Acts 3, we hear in a compelling sermon by the Apostle Peter, “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers… Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.” “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.”
Jesus gives the faith to restore sinners by the power of His name, and the faithful act on it. Jesus gives faith to act and forgiveness to be restored.
Our Lord and Savior loves to restore sinners. He gives power through His holy name. Through the power of His Spirit, the truth of His Word, and the encouragement of His church, He grants the faithful the ability to act on it.
During difficult times, let us not be distracted from our mission: to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded. Yeah, but I have a history of failing to do what I said that I would! Behold, He is with you always, to the end of the age. He is faithful. Jesus gives us faith even though we have known failure. Times of refreshing come from His presence.
