Turning back to God clears the record and opens the way to refreshing.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;”Acts 3:19 (KJV)
What does “Repent” mean in Acts 3:19?
The Greek word for repent is metanoeo, which means to change your mind. It describes a new way of thinking that leads to a new direction.
Going deeper
Peter is speaking to a crowd after a man had been healed at the temple gate. He calls them to repent and be converted, so that their sins might be blotted out. Repentance here is a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. It is not only feeling sorry. It is deciding to go a new way. Notice the promise at the end: times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord.
Many people think of repentance as heavy and grim. In this verse, it is the doorway to relief. Sin blotted out means a clean record. Refreshing means the parched places of life get water. If you have been carrying something you know you need to turn from, bring it to God today. Decide, in plain words, to go a different way, and ask for His help. Refreshing waits on the other side. Turn today, and see what He does with the door you open.
Reflect
What is one thing you need to turn from, and what new direction will you take?
Pray
Lord, I change my mind and turn to You. Blot out my sins, and bring times of refreshing from Your presence. In Jesus' name, amen.
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