May 23: Cut to the Heart
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37
Peter’s address to the crowd on the day of Pentecost quieted the mockers and brought those who truly listened to a point of realization: recognition of their part in causing Jesus to be crucified. The cry of “what shall we do?” was a sincere question welcomed by the Holy Spirit who provided the answer.
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (v.38)
Have you ever been cut to the heart? The true nature of repentance is elusive to so many! Regret for the results of sin differs greatly from deep sorrow for the sin itself. The individual who only laments the consequences rather than the cause is not yielded to the Spirit of God. There are examples given of this type of superficial and cursory acknowledgement. Esau regretted the loss of his birthright (Genesis 25:34, Hebrews 12:17). Pharaoh, when suffering under the judgements of God, made a vague acknowledgement of wrongdoing, but returned to defiance toward God as soon as the plagues were ended (Exodus 12:31; 14:5). Balaam’s acknowledgement of his sin was spoken only in fear for his own life (Numbers 22:34), but his return to devious ways (Numbers 31:16, Revelation 2:14) showed his heart to be on the side of Satan. Even the remorse of Judas over his betrayal of innocent blood was not true repentance, as he did not come to Jesus for cleansing and restoration (Matthew 27:3-5).
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
A heart that yields to the Holy Spirit’s influence is quickened in conscience as to the holiness, purity, and righteousness of God. When true conviction takes hold, recognition of the absolute right to judge belonging to the One who searches hearts and minds brings with it a sense of terror at the thought of His approach, yet His Spirit comes near to us in countless gentle ways that we might see His love. The righteous Judge is also the Source of longing to be cleansed and restored.
Restoration brings transformation that becomes evident as the attitude towards one’s own sin shifts from tolerance to loathing—in direct proportion to growing love for the Savior! Take hold of Him, beloved, and welcome the One who paid for all of your wrongdoings, and who intercedes for you this very minute.
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27
The Lord is…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Give unto the LORD the glory due His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2
Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water. Revelation 14:7