Why Does God’s Word Pierce Some Hearts, And Not Others?

Why does God’s word pierce some hearts, and not others? The answer lies in the heart of each human being. Is it receptive to truth? Is it honest enough with itself? What makes a person’s heart like this? I don’t really know. What I do know is selfishness and pride play a huge role in it. Here in Acts chapter 2, we read of Peter’s speech piercing the hearts of about 3,000 people. These 3,000 hearts had the receptiveness to truth and was honest enough to ask the hard question: “what should we do?” Then they were willing to do whatever was required; repenting of their sins and putting their faith in Jesus. What makes a receptive and willing heart? God makes them. Do you have one? One filled with the Holy Spirit and willing to sacrifice yourself for His namesake? Willingness and honesty are gifts from God. But they need to be cultivated through the fires of refinement. It starts with dying to self. Selfishness is the roadblock of making any progress with accepting and sharing the Gospel. It’s time to “get over ourselves”. The right response to conviction is what we see here in Acts chapter 2. It’s what we all need to do when the Jesus comes knocking at our door.

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:36-41