“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? Then Peter said to them, “Repent and let everyone 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.”Acts 2:37-38
Today, American Christians do not use the expression; “cut to the heart,” when we talk about sin. We use phrases like, “messed up,” or “made a mistake”, ” If we were to say, cut to the heart, we would be talking about an accident or a literal surgery.
In this passage; the phrase “cut to the heart” is speaking of the conviction of sin.” These men of Israel understood it was their sin, that crucified Jesus Christ. They realized their “hearts were desperately wicked and deceitful above all else.” They took ownership of the fact, “they had all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”
After being cut to the heart, these men of Israel asked, “What shall we do?” Peter immediately told them to “Repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Repent is a much stronger word than sorry. You can be sorry you got caught but not truly repent and turn from your sins. When you repent, you make 180 degree turn and go in the opposite direction. The conviction comes from the Holy Spirit who draws all men unto Himself.
Psalm 66:18 tells me, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayer.”
My dear friend, we must be “cut to the heart” regarding our sin. Otherwise there will be no true repentance. After we repent, there is freedom from the lies and deceit that held us captive. “When you are free in Christ, you are free indeed.”
Prayer in Motion:
Lord, cut me to the heart regarding my sin. It is ever before me and I want to be convicted and brought to repentance. In Jesus Name. Amen
Thank you Libby, for this powerful and true devotion. After our sweet talk last night, I just thanked God for you!! Rip thanked God for you, and we appreciate SO SO much you taking the time to pray over us on speaker! When you ask, “How can I pray for you and Rip,” we share with you those prayer needs, it always means the world to us that you RIGHT THEN start into prayer. Rip and I were eating out last night and in his prayer before the meal, he thanked God for you and your beautiful heart of prayer. Thank you Libby-lou for being a true friend and family member with us as we walk with the church of the Lord in carrying out His mission for our lives. WE LOVE YOU!!