Acts 13:1-14:28
Today, with little fanfare we have Saul named Paul. One paragraph he is Saul, and it says he is also called Paul, and the next paragraph he is Paul and from here on this is what he is called. Yesterday I was reading some passages in the Old Testament about King Saul and today we have Saul/Paul speaking eloquently about these very passages. He leads his listeners easily from the Old Testament prophets to the Good News of Jesus. One phrase stood out to me especially in this reading and that was when he said "and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses"
We have seen where it is impossible to follow every law perfectly, we ourselves have trouble even doing all the things we think we should and the perfection of God's plan is impossible. Saul/Paul talks about David of whom God said "I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will."
And yet, David, as we know was not perfect, and made several terrible mistakes. We too can make mistakes, and like David, we can turn back toward the Lord.
Now Paul and Barnabas go places where there is a desire to hear of the works of God, warring with the desire of others not to hear. Some wish to make idols of the news bearers, while others wish to stop up their ears and silence the speakers...but the Good News spreads, the men are not silenced and those who hear are filled with joy.
This comes with a warning not to hear and reject the Good News, and it also comes with a promise to spread the light so that people who were living in the dark can now see clearly. I wish to live in this light, and to hold it aloft that others might see as well.
In the light of this Good News, see you tomorrow.
-maggie
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