Lifted high and the crowds draw near
Albert Bogle
September 21, 2023
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Acts 2: 36-41 (NRSVA)
36 Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ 38 Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ 40 And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ 41 So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
Something happened that changed the world and Peter when Jesus was lifted high on his cross. Few if any recognised the significance of what he was doing. He breathed out his Spirit into the world and Peter was changed from a ‘chancer’ to a change maker.
In the passage today Peter lifts the name of Jesus up high for all to hear and thousands are added to the Kingdom. All kinds of people drawn in because of the power of the cross. The words of Jesus echo down the generations, ‘If I be lifted up, I will draw all people to myself”.
Do we speak well of Jesus? Do we explain, how sins can be forgiven, and wrong situations put right? Do we take time to talk to our friends and families about God’s Kingdom? Perhaps it’s because we’re not lifting Jesus high that so few people hear about him and are able to respond to his message.
Turn Your Gaze On me
Lord Jesus,
Soldiers lifted you high in derision
Your bones shuddered with the shock
The criminal lifted you high above the mob
And worshipped you from his cross
Forgive my feeble witnessing heart
Turn your gaze on me and set my heart ablaze with Love for you
Lord Jesus,
Forgive my half hearted cross lifting
80 generations on I’ve reduced you to costume jewellery
A silver cross around my neck
A cross shaped badge on my lapel
Forgive my feeble witnessing heart
Turn your gaze on me and set my heart ablaze with Love for you
Lord Jesus,
I will lift you high in all my conversation
I will speak well of your grace and love
Come breathe your Spirit into my soul
May I never weary of lifting your cross high
Give me a new heart of courage to be your witness
Turn your gaze on me and set my heart ablaze with Love for you
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