This weekend's first Scripture reading from Acts 3 includes these marvelous words of Peter: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus." (Acts 3:19–20) So what are these times of refreshing? A time of refreshing is a time to be rejuvenated and celebrate God's gift of life. 

As we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit brings us to those times of refreshing when we are brought to a fuller understanding of God's amazing love and mercy, as well as His powerful intervention in the midst of life's challenges. You see, the context of Peter's words is Peter preaching to people who have gathered to see what happened because a man who was lame and was always begging was now walking and leaping and praising God after having been healed in Jesus' name. Jesus changes everything! What is more, we are witnesses of the difference following Jesus makes and the peace that comes during those times of refreshment. 

Maybe you're in need of one of those times of refreshment now. Come to Jesus and ask for that. But don't just ask. Continue to follow Him and expect that the One who is very much alive and well will, through His Word and Sacrament, bring you that gift of His refreshment – sins forgiven, peace with God, peace with others, and the joy of knowing that as you put yourself into His hands, He knows how to care for you. After all, the nail marks on those hands remind us that if He would love us that much, He knows what best to do.