Joy Through Grace

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 13:13-43

 

Acts 13:43

And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

(ESV)

 

As the year 2020 thankfully winds down, there is a glimmer of hope as people are beginning to receive vaccines for Covid19.  The hope comes as the vaccine may allow people to develop an immunity to the disease without the risk of having to come down with it.  The hope is that the vaccine will slow the spread of Covid19 and make a path for a return to normalcy in people’s lives.  Unfortunately, there will be those that politicize this medical breakthrough to maintain the chaos in the interest of continuing a political agenda of fear.  Let us pray that God’s people will give in to fear and continue to have joy in the Lord because of the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8; Nehemiah 8:10). 

 

The Apostle Paul and his entourage have gone to Antioch.  They are in the synagogue on the Sabbath hearing the reading of the Law (Acts 13:13-14).  The reading of the law on the Sabbath was normal but after the reading of the Law, the prophets and rulers of the synagogue ask Paul and Barnabas if they have any words of encouragement for the people (Acts 13:15).  This indicates that word of what occurred in Cyprus has spread to Antioch (Acts 13:4-12).  Not wanting to let an opportunity to share the Gospel pass, Paul stands up and begins to speak (Acts 13:16).

 

Like Stephen, Paul points to Jewish history and how it points to Jesus as the Messiah.  Paul who was present at the stoning of Stephen must have thought his declaration of the Gospel could also result in his stoning but is now a believer and knows that should he die he will be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:1-10).  However, God has plans for the Apostle Paul with this only the beginning of his ministry for Paul would continue to spread the Gospel and would write most of the New Testament through his epistles, much of it while in prison for his faith.    

 

Paul’s reference to Jewish history involves God promising David an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16) however, since David saw death and corruption, it will not be him on the throne forever but one of his offspring who will not see corruption.  Jesus is that offspring since he rose from the grave after three days and never saw corruption.  Not only is Jesus the eternal offspring of David that will sit on the throne but he is also the Son of God who gives one eternal life if they believe (John 3:16; Romans 6:23) and God in the flesh (John 1:14). 

 

Next Friday is Christmas, a time set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  The current events in the world have made this Christmas unique and one we will not soon forget.  However, the circumstances in the world do not change fact that Jesus came into the world as God in the flesh so we could have eternal life through forgiveness from sin that delivers us from death, giving us eternal life (Romans 3:23; 6:23).  What better time than the time of the celebration of Jesus’ birth to receive new life in Christ.  Please pray with me now to receive the greatest gift of all, eternal life in Jesus Christ,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I encourage those that just prayed to find a Church in their local community and to begin by attending their Christmas services.  However, it is crucial to attend services regularly either in person or online, so you gain knowledge of God through regular study of the Bible, the Word of God.  It is also crucial to regularly associate with other believers in Christ for encouragement because not everyone is receptive to the Gospel message, something Paul and Barnabas will discover in Acts 13:44-52.  May God bless everyone reading this post.