“Save Yourself From This Corrupt Generation!”

“Save Yourself From This Corrupt Generation!”
We have spent the last few days reflecting on the sermon of Peter on Pentecost day. The sermon was a reaction to the fun made of them because they declared the wonders of God after the Holy Spirit came on them. They were accused of having had too much wine. Peter’s message was an explanation which ended up touching the people’s feelings.
When the people heard Peter, “they were cut to the heart and they said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?'” Metaphorically “cut to the heart” as in the sense used in this passage means “to pain the mind sharply.” Through Peter’s message they realized the enormity of their guilt.
One of my lecturers Rev Dr. Sermsdorf told us that if the message does not reach the listeners at the level of their feelings, then the message is floating. The message should go beyond reasoning or knowledge and touch the feelings to provoke the question “what shall we do?”
Prof Allison Howell, another teacher who opened my eyes, calls this, “The key to conduct question.” In his sermon Peter told the people what they did, but he did not tell them what they should do or ought to do.
Peter’s response to their question is relevant for us today; even after our conversions: “Repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call. With many other words he warned them: ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.'”
Dear friend, in our case we have been baptized, our sins have been forgiven and we have received the Holy Spirit. However, Scriptures is still warning and pleading with us: Safe yourself from this corrupt generation!
The only way to go about it is for us to devote time to the teachings of Holy Scriptures, ensuring individual spiritual growth through fellowship, sharing our bread with others and giving our time to prayer (Acts 2:37-42).
Weekend prayer: Lord Jesus Christ thank you for the all-inclusive gifts of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to all whom the Lord our God calls. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!