Acts 21:17-26
As Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he knows that trouble probably awaits him. Despite the warnings, Paul continues to go, choosing to submit himself to the leadership of the Jerusalem elders. In doing so, he ultimately is submitting himself to the will of God, even if it might not seem like it in the moment. When Paul meets with James and the elders, they all rejoice and praise God for what has been happening with Paul and the Gentiles. Everything would seem as if it’s going great, right? However, there seems to be a problem. Some have heard rumors that Paul was teaching Jews to abandon Moses, forsake circumcision, and reject the Jewish customs. Like most rumors, they were not completely true, but rumors are typically loud and dangerous. Paul wasn’t teaching these things, but instead was teaching that the Law is not what saves, it is Jesus. He also taught that the Gentiles are not required to become Jews, nor are Jews required to abandon cultural practices. But as we know, perception matters, and it was all about to blow up.
The elders ended up proposing a plan for Paul to participate in a Jewish purification rite. Paul agrees to do so, not because he needs the Law for salvation, but because he was willing to lay down his own rights so that the gospel would be protected. Paul was not compromising on the truth; he was trying to remove any unnecessary offense that they might have had so that he could truly share Christ. He was focused on what would help others see Christ clearly rather than his own freedoms, rights, or entitlements. He had a priority for the gospel to go forward rather than to fight or argue for himself.
Paul chose to be above reproach in this moment. That means to live in a way of integrity, humility, and wisdom so that any accusations against you lose their power. Paul knew that the accusations against him were not true, yet he still chose a path that showed transparency, respect, and love. Paul leaves us a great example here in how to live above reproach, and even when false accusations are made against us. Do you look to live above reproach? This doesn’t mean that you are perfect by any means, but do you look to live with integrity? Humility? Wisdom? When we do so, there isn’t room for accusations to actually stick. Let us live in a way that our motives are transparent to others. That people see us and know that we are considerate. Most importantly, we want to live in this way so that we have even more opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with others, and they know that we are all about Jesus. This is not a weakness, but it is a strength that is guided by love. Look into your own life and examine yourself. Pray that God will lead you to live in such a way.
As Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he knows that trouble probably awaits him. Despite the warnings, Paul continues to go, choosing to submit himself to the leadership of the Jerusalem elders. In doing so, he ultimately is submitting himself to the will of God, even if it might not seem like it in the moment. When Paul meets with James and the elders, they all rejoice and praise God for what has been happening with Paul and the Gentiles. Everything would seem as if it’s going great, right? However, there seems to be a problem. Some have heard rumors that Paul was teaching Jews to abandon Moses, forsake circumcision, and reject the Jewish customs. Like most rumors, they were not completely true, but rumors are typically loud and dangerous. Paul wasn’t teaching these things, but instead was teaching that the Law is not what saves, it is Jesus. He also taught that the Gentiles are not required to become Jews, nor are Jews required to abandon cultural practices. But as we know, perception matters, and it was all about to blow up.
The elders ended up proposing a plan for Paul to participate in a Jewish purification rite. Paul agrees to do so, not because he needs the Law for salvation, but because he was willing to lay down his own rights so that the gospel would be protected. Paul was not compromising on the truth; he was trying to remove any unnecessary offense that they might have had so that he could truly share Christ. He was focused on what would help others see Christ clearly rather than his own freedoms, rights, or entitlements. He had a priority for the gospel to go forward rather than to fight or argue for himself.
Paul chose to be above reproach in this moment. That means to live in a way of integrity, humility, and wisdom so that any accusations against you lose their power. Paul knew that the accusations against him were not true, yet he still chose a path that showed transparency, respect, and love. Paul leaves us a great example here in how to live above reproach, and even when false accusations are made against us. Do you look to live above reproach? This doesn’t mean that you are perfect by any means, but do you look to live with integrity? Humility? Wisdom? When we do so, there isn’t room for accusations to actually stick. Let us live in a way that our motives are transparent to others. That people see us and know that we are considerate. Most importantly, we want to live in this way so that we have even more opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with others, and they know that we are all about Jesus. This is not a weakness, but it is a strength that is guided by love. Look into your own life and examine yourself. Pray that God will lead you to live in such a way.
Posted in Devotional