Acts 2:37 (ESV)
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
We cut ourselves by carelessness and accidents in life. A wound exposes the interior. It hurts. It stings. It bleeds. A clean wound without complication is easy to dress up, and heals quickly. Sometimes we nurse a chronic wound which binds one in distress. Sometimes people enjoy wallowing in a deep wound and get trapped in it, giving a foothold for the enemy to torment instead of conquering the pain under our feet as we are co-heirs in Christ Jesus.
Many times in life, a cut is absolutely necessary. That intentional deliberate cut which comes from the One who loves us so deeply must be appreciated. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints
and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Matthew 4:12)
Sharp words pierces and stings the heart just as sharp tools pierces and stings the body. When the people heard Peter’s declarations, they were cut to the heart. What cuts them? It is the powerful living word of God, ever so active and sharp. Matthew said it is sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates into the innermost parts. It cuts, filters, crafts as it divides through every thought and motives of the human heart. Jeremiah 17:9 declares firmly, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick, who can understand it?” No one except God our Maker. Not even ourselves. That is precisely why this world is in such turmoil. We are a messed up generation. The good news is when God’s words cut into the heart, it
convicts. That is the good intentions of our Creator to heal. Healing takes effect from the very core of our heart.
A cut exposes the interior. When it is cut open, it is either one enjoys the beauty and goodness which overflows if it is a pleasant fruit. Filled with life, zest and juiciness. Or, that vulnerable cut could bleed profusely liken to a body which is ill with a diminished anti-coagulant to stop the bleeding. Perhaps a fermented foul with a stench fluid oozing out from a chronic decaying wound. Or, to one’s own dismay, a parched heart – all dried up like a desert and yet to find an oasis.
The cut led the people to ask an important question: “What shall we do?”
That ache led them to query the action.
That belief must impact the behaviour.
The conviction culminates character change.
The desire drives the discipline towards deeds.
That exhilarating emotion empowers extraordinary exploits.
Where do we stand with the Lord when he speaks?
Does his word impact us as it did for the people of Acts?
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 13 May 2020