April 10, 2018
Acts 3:15-19…“And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer.” vss. 17-18
Once the disciples had come to believe that the suffering messiah was a part of God’s plan for salvation, it was relatively easy for them to give the leaders of their people the benefit of the doubt. Since those leaders had acted in ignorance, there was still a chance for them to receive forgiveness for their horrendous act. And the disciples had a point–ignorance is frequently a good defense for poor thinking and misguided actions. Sometimes we just don’t know any better! Most of the time, we don’t come to our positions by a careful, objective, and rational process of decision making. We’re influenced by any number of factors: background, education, religion, politics, mentors, friends–the list goes on and on. That’s why it’s always important for us to withhold judgement in our interactions with our neighbors and friends. They’re not all idiots for believing or acting as they do; and sometimes we’re actually the ones who are ignorant, though that’s exceptionally hard for us to admit. Peter’s point is that there is always room for redemption and repentance. We can always change, and many times we do. Often, all it takes is a little bit of loving to jar us from our obstinate ways and into the path of insight and light. And forgiveness is always a blessing!
Thought for the Day: Some ignorant people that I know!
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