No one wants to hear that something happened because of what they did. This could be as simple as leaving the water on while filling up a pool so that it over flows or as serious as a car accident. In my reading today these verses jumped off the page. Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
To be exact, the words WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED hit me between the eyes. It is very easy to blame the Pharisees and Sadducees and Jewish leaders and others who did not believe at that time. I think we forget that it is all of us who are to blame, my sin and your sin. Last Sunday we talked about denial. To say, “It is not my fault” concerning the death of Jesus is one of the greatest denials. When we realize that Jesus died for each of us, that means each of us were responsible for his death because of our sin. When this realization comes upon us the response should be to repent. Our generation is as corrupt as the one who put Jesus to death. This advice is for us also; save yourself from this generation and accept the message of repentance. The good news as Peter said is the promise of forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit can be for us also. Will you accept this message and have Jesus as your Messiah?