The early church was not perfect. They had problems just like we have problems. What I found interesting is that in the solving of problems, the church moves forward. It happened in chapter 6 when the unequal distribution of food to Greek and Hebrew speaking widows was handled. It happened in chapter 10 when God bridged the Gentile divide with a vision to Peter, preaching in Cornelius’ house and then Peter’s defense to the brothers. It happened when God scattered the church in chapter 8 due to the persecution of the church. It happens again in today’s reading a dispute about whether converts to Jesus need to follow the Jewish law leads to growth.
Often I dream of a ripple free life, no problems, no disagreements, no issues… sounds like utopia… and someday in the presence of Almighty God we will have that. But this side of eternity, we will never experience a problem free life. And yet, in God’s economy this side of eternity, problems when handled well actually lead to growth. As I noted above, we see it in the church and the church has continued to experience this truth through out its history. It is even true in secular living. Problems handled well lead to advancement. Diseases led to vaccines and antibiotics in medicine. Energy needs led to advances in energy production… and so on. Over the years, in my personal life, handling my issues have pushed me toward maturity. Most of my growth has occurred in response to problems and pain.
The Spirit whispers, “What problems are you experiencing???” Handling those issues well will propel you to new and better and healthier ways of living… think about it!
Lord, may I have Your grace to see solutions to my problems and other problems that are beyond mere human ingenuity and determination. And, Lord, may I have Your wisdom to implement what You show me rather than fall back on “my best wisdom.” Finally, Lord, may You grant me courage and strength to do what You have shown, growing in the process even as Your grace expands in and throughout the world. Amen.
This devotional above came as a surprise. I began writing with a completely different thought in mind… As a result you get a two-for-one today here is where my initial thoughts were originally going…
Simplicity of the gospel:
I was attracted to the simplicity of Paul’s summary of the gospel message as articulated in verses 8-11: God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.
Ponder some of what it teaches:
· God made no distinction…
· God purified their hearts by faith…
· Why do we make following Jesus harder with all manner of human made rules?…
· It is through believing in Jesus that we are saved. That’s it! Faith in Jesus is a lot but it is all that is necessary for salvation!
If you have time ponder these things…
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