Peter said to them, “Repent, and let each of you be immersed in the name of Messiah Yeshua for the removal of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach ha-Kodesh [the Holy Spirit]. Acts 2:38, TLV
Peter’s message to the masses was impressive. Using just a few of the Messianic prophesies (Joel 2:28-32; Psalm 16:8-12; 2 Samuel 7:12ff; Psalm 89:3; Psalm 110:1; Psalm 109:1) he proves to the crowds of Jewish people that Yeshua was indeed their promised Messiah. I wonder how many of them had called out for His death before Pilate (Mark 15:12-14)?
In great sorrow, thousands of convicted souls cried out, “What should we do?” (Acts 2:27).
Peter answers with today’s verse. Repent. Be immersed in the name of Jesus to remove their sins. And the miraculous sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they had witnessed (Acts 2:5-12), that very Holy Spirit would be given to them.
Tucked within his message was the first public suggestion that this amazing redemption and gift of the Holy Spirit would not be limited to the Jewish people.
For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away—as many as Adonai our God calls to Himself. Acts 2:39, TLV
The set time had come for the nations to hear the Good News (Matthew 28:19-20). For thousands of years the remnant believers of the Jewish people had been trained up — steeped in Biblical understanding and history — for such a time as this. It was time for them to go out to their people first, then to the nations (Romans 1:16).
Our heritage as believers, my friends, is steeped in the rocks, hills, valleys, and people, of a tiny strip of Land in turmoil.
People have asked me, “If Israel belongs to the Jewish people and is such a holy place, why is it always in turmoil?” The answer is simple, “Where does the enemy attack when he wants to cause the most damage to God? Invalidate God’s integrity. Because if he can destroy Israel and her people, then God’s promises would be lies.”
My friends, our God is not a liar.
To be clear, Peter was Jewish. Our Messiah’s earthly mother was Jewish. Therefore, our heritage as graftees — whether as cultured or wild olive branches — only thrives in the Jewish olive tree (Romans 11:16-24).
Why this blog? Because today, and in the future, I ask that you join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem. Israel is our spiritual home, and our brothers and sisters in Messiah — Jewish and Arab — need our prayers.
Please pray Psalm 122.
