Acts 11 & 12
‘God working in new ways’ is the story of these chapters, with people listening, seeing, responding to and changing their ways because of God’s Spirit being revealed in the lives of those whom it was believed God doesn’t include. Peter takes a leap of faith and action as he cannot deny what God is doing in the lives of Gentiles (Non-Jews). Barnabas takes a leap of faith and invites the Christian-Persecutor Saul (Paul) to come to Antioch and live and teach in their midst. Following Jesus will always take us to new places of faith and action.
There are costs for following Jesus, as Peter found out so many times, but to the surprise of all God rescues and provides.
Herod was a character in this ACTS story that represents all earthly powers – that both wield their influence but in the end are mortal and their days of persecution end when their lives end. Acts 11 & 12 show me the contrast between lives that follow Christ and ones that stand against Christ. To the followers is the promise of new things and challenge…to the persecutors they will be left with nothing but a legacy of loss.
God will fulill God’s promises and purposes – join with God and receive newness – hope, healing and freedom…rejecting God will not deny God’s plans. [Prayer - LORD, may I see you working in others that I might join in with what you are doing. Amen]
Psalm 26
Even before I read this I was reflecting in God’s ways for us (God’s creatures/creation) and thinking that so many people think that God’s ways for us are perceived as what God needs when really God’s ways for us are what we need. Living God’s way is good for me. This Psalm captures this in prayer as the Psalmist says how they are ‘true to themselves’ and have trusted God. This too is my prayer today…may I be true to myeslf and trust God…Now I stand on solid ground (26:12) [Prayer - LORD rescue me and be kind to me as I seek to be true to myself and trust YOU. Amen]
