Day 14 – Issue 11

Be Still Know

Acts 2:37-38 NLT

‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’

I once heard the story told of a combatant in the American Civil War who was supportive of both sides. He therefore chose to wear the tunic of the Union soldiers and the trousers of the Confederates. When he emerged on to the field of battle, he was shocked to discover that he was shot at by both sides. Being in two minds is forever a recipe for disaster. Life turns upon decisions. Even bad decisions can be revisited with the benefit of hindsight, yet at least they are decisions.

Rather unfairly, I used to seek to avoid taking decisions when on holiday. My argument was always that I spent my life taking decisions, often in quite stressful contexts, and so holidays were for others to take decisions. Sadly, I did not exhibit the grace to accept joyfully the decisions taken, and this led to uneasiness among other members of the family who were reduced, out of love for me, to seek to second guess what I might like and then take that decision in the hope I might join in.

As Peter presented the gospel to those gathered in Jerusalem following that first Pentecost, he was eventually interrupted by a crowd with a single question: ‘What must we do?’ Peter replied: ‘Repentance and baptism.’ Yet to respond with any authenticity, they needed to make a decision. Anyone caught up in the emotion of the moment will not have stayed the course.

In an age where many to prefer to hedge their bets rather than making clear decisions, we face the danger of losing the heart of Christian discipleship. An authentic disciple has made a clear, conscious decision to surrender their life to God’s rule. Knowing that such a decision comes with responsibilities as well as privileges, such a disciple seeks to live out with care the requirements of scripture and the heart of the gospel message of loving God and loving neighbour.

QUESTION: What decisions have you been putting off? Is it because they are too difficult due to the likely consequences following upon such a decision?

PRAYER: Jesus, I have set my face to follow you. Help me not to turn back. 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright C 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc, Wheaton, Illinois 60189 USA. All rights reserved.