ACTS of the Apostles

Monday, May 23

ACTS of the Apostles

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic Read Acts 11:1-18

Focus Verses: Acts 11:17-18 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Today’s passage is somewhat of a repeat message we studied on Friday but the good news today is for the Gentiles. It’s seemingly hard for us to pivot our beliefs and be told something else is true and these people were no different. History shows us as humans we can tend to be judgmental and set in our belief system, even if it isn't based in the truth. . “If you are not like me, then you are NOT apart of my group therefore you are wrong”. Words I'm ashamed to say have crossed my mind more than once over my lifetime. By the way, this is not a lesson I’ve learned from the Lord. In fact, it’s the opposite. In Acts 11:17-18, Jesus is making it abundantly clear that his message was for all people. Jesus preached to ALL. The apostles should not have been surprised they were to model this and were called to do the same. There is no partiality with God—we are all sinners , we all need a Savior, we all are invited to receive his salvation through Christ Jesus; when we do this by faith, we receive the same Spirit these people did so long ago!

We see in this passage, the intellectual and theological questions and discussions ceased with the report God had given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. This was a turning point for the early church .They had to accept the chosen: even the Gentiles. Joy over the conversion of the Gentiles was not popular with everyone and continued to be a struggle for some Jewish Christians throughout the first century. Evidence it’s hard to make changes in the way we humans think.

Ladies, it’s our job to freely spread the Good News, not to judge who gets to hear it or whom we think has been converted by it. We just spread the news and let God take the wheel. Remember, God has got it, whatever it is. We are sheep and are called to go where the Shepherd tells us, not the other way around. Let’s trust in this daily, let go of the wheel, and allow him to lead us where we need to go.

Heavenly Father, Remind us who is in charge and who is not.. and help us live this way .Please help us to let go long enough to allow you to lead . May we “fall silent” and recognize everyone is worthy of your love and grace, not just the people we choose to associate with. What a beautiful thing you offer to all sinners and we thank you for this gift! Help us to model impartiality to others as we go about our daily lives. Turn our hearts towards you. Amen