This morning as I read in Acts, I am reminded that Jesus came that ALL have the opportunity of Salvation.
“44The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,
“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”’
48And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” – Acts 13:44-48 (ESV)
Here we see that Paul and Barnabas spoke to the people and brought the gospel to them. They started in the synagogue the week before and were asked to return the following week. The word spread and everyone came.
The Jews were taken aback that Paul and Barnabas would speak with the Gentiles and not devote their time to the “Holy” people and so they displayed actions of jealousy. Don’t we find ourselves in similar situations when someone “steals” our time in the spotlight?
Paul and Barnabas did not get into arguments with the people, they simply explained their position of preaching to those who would be there. They indicate they started with the “Holy” ones and then continued with those who had a thirst for salvation. And when they did, the Gentiles responded with joy and thanksgiving for the Word of God.
The Word of God is for ALL, not just those that “deserve” it. I hope that the light I shine is one that shows compassion and the delivery of the Word of God to ALL.
Where are you in your opportunities to share the Word of God? Are you focused only on those that “deserve” it? Are you bringing the Word of God and subsequently eternal life to ALL?
Trevor's Thoughts 