Ancient Promises

ACTS IN 90 DAYS

A reading for Friday, May 15, 2020: Acts 3:11-26.

"The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, t

he God of our ancestors has glorified his servant..."

The setting is perfect, Solomon's Portico, and the message is clear. Jesus message of salvation is not something newly created out of whole cloth but a fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Peter makes it clear by walking the "history society" of The Temple through the ancient promises from Abraham all the way to now. This Jesus, whom you did away with, was the answer to generation after generation of prayers according to your own traditions.

There is something incredibly comforting about ancient belief and ancient practices. Nothing wrong with new ideas and new ways of living faith either, but connecting our belief to all the generations of men and women that have come before us can expand our understanding of faith in Jesus Christ. Look at how many that came before us lived this life of devotion and service before we were ever born. Even when some misunderstood, others did not, and the faith lives on.

Peter opens chapter 3 doing something brand new for a blind beggar, and ends the chapter reconnecting with ancient promises related to the Messiah.

"Will the circle be unbroken

By and by Lord, by and by

There's a better home awaiting

In the sky Lord, in the sky."

-Charles Hutchinson Gabriel and Ada R. Habershon