Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Psalms 20 -22; Acts 13:26 -52
Rejoicing in God’s Plan – Acts 13:44-52
44 On the next Sabbath, almost everyone in the city gathered to hear the Lord’s word. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy. They argued against what Paul was saying by slandering him. 46 Speaking courageously, Paul and Barnabas said, “We had to speak God’s word to you first. Since you reject it and show that you are unworthy to receive eternal life, we will turn to the Gentiles. 47 This is what the Lord commanded us:
I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
so that you could bring salvation to the end of the earth.”[f]
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the Lord’s word. Everyone who was appointed for eternal life believed, 49 and the Lord’s word was broadcast throughout the entire region. 50 However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile God-worshippers, as well as the city’s leaders. They instigated others to harass Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their district. 51 Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium. 52 Because of the abundant presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the disciples were overflowing with happiness.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
God’s plan to include the Gentiles in God’s blessing started from the begining of creation. God also reveals God’s plan when God calls Abraham, in Genesis 12:1-3. God says, “…all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.” The NIV version uses the word, ‘all people on earth.’
This means that the Jewish people, raised by God, was to share the Good News with the Gentiles and be the light for them. Instead, they remained jealous to see what Paul and Barnabas was doing. Their own expereince and pride got in the way of God’s will. Therefore, God had to take the torch away from their nation and pass it on to the ones they despised. It was a sad moment for the Jews.
Beware of our own expereince and pride, since they have a tendancy to cover our eyes to see God’s will.
Being in front of God’s will might be the saddest realism of our life.
That is another reason why followers of Christ are to crucify themselves on the cross daily.
Paul who saw the sad moment of the Jews, first-hand, says in Galatians 2:21 “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Prayer
Lord, we lay down our life to you Lord. We ask you to grow in us, while we no longer live in us. Use us for your glory. In Christ name, we pray, Amen.
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