With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:37-47 NIV)
Have you ever wondered why the church in the modern day so seldom looks like the one we see in Acts? Why there can be so many churches across our country, yet so little change within or without? Why most of those in church act basically the same as everyone else except for the space they occupy on a specific day of the week? I think there is a clue in Luke’s description of the response to Peter’s message to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost.
He says that, after hearing Peter’s words, they were “cut to the heart.” Upon hearing his appraisal of their involvement in Jesus’ death, they were overwhelmed with the conviction of their guilt. They had rejected the Christ, their Messiah, and now were feeling the full impact of their betrayal. They were desperate to find relief and asked Peter for a solution. “Repent and be baptized,” he replied. About 3000 did and formed the nucleus of the emerging movement that became known as the New Testament Church.
What happened next was truly extraordinary and has been the template ever since for what the community of believers should look like. Yet, it rarely does. Why?
When was the last time you have seen people “cut to the heart” about their rejection of the Lord in their lives? There may be some tears and some guilt, but conviction so deep that it leads to real transformation? Rarely.
Jesus said, referring to Himself, “Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces.” (Matthew 21:44) The 3000 on that day in AD 33 fell on the Rock and were broken. And it was their willingness to suffer brokenness that led to their transformation. There can be no spiritual transformation without brokenness. Yet, today the emphasis is more on embracing the gift of eternal life, as if it came without cost. Just say a few words and the gift is yours!
A close examination of the New Testament reveals none of that. Transformation comes not with words of contrition, but with being cut to the heart, falling on the Rock and having our pride and our will broken. It will cost us everything, but will gain us so much more.
Today, know the prerequisite for transformation is brokenness. You cannot get there from sitting in a comfortable seat on Sundays.
© Jim Musser 2018
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