The last passage of Luke's Gospel has the title ‘Mission and Farewell’ in my Norwegian Bible and in this passage I also found the ‘AHA’ experience, which I reflected on yesterday. It is crucial for the mission to understand what Jesus did for me in light of the Scriptures, and today the mission is clarified once again:
and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47When William Booth on the threshold of the 20th century was asked by a journalist what he considered to be the greatest danger in the new century; Booth gave a clear and short answer. He considered one of the dangers to be ‘forgiveness without repentance’. I think Booth had been together with Jesus and the disciples when they received the teaching and confirmation of this very truth in the preparation for Pentecost.
Likewise, I am present in the same group and reminded about the truth for today. I admit that it is easier to proclaim forgiveness than repentance. Almost everyone wants to receive forgiveness, but repenting and start following God's way instead of his own is costly. I am reminded once again that salvation is free, but the discipleship is costly. Something else is a lie, but I still think that choosing life is by far the better choice.
Peter certainly caught the message, because when the audience on the day of Pentecost asked what they should do, 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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39‘Manna’ for today:
There is no shortcut passed repentance!--------------------------------
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.
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