Devotional Blog -Monday, February 27th

Daily Devotional for Monday, February 27th

James’ Defense of the Gospel

“That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things,” Acts 15:17.

 

God’s heart beats for the nations. When Jesus met Paul (then Saul) on the road to Damascus, he called him to take his message of salvation to the Gentiles so they, too, could know him. Paul joined Barnabas in reaching the Gentiles in Acts 13, and by chapter 15, a large number of Gentiles were Jesus followers. Some Judean men, however, began teaching the new converts that they must be circumcised in accordance with Jewish law to be saved. Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed, and the council in Jerusalem was consulted on the matter.
In their report to the council, Paul and Barnabas shared how Gentiles were also trusting in Christ by faith. They were receiving the Holy Spirit and the same grace once reserved for Israel. Some Pharisees in attendance also demanded these new converts keep the Law and be circumcised to join the people of God. James, quoting Amos and Jeremiah, reminded the council the prophets foretold that the Gentiles would also seek the Lord and be called by His name. A time would come, and here it was, that the Lord would call Gentiles to faith and extend grace to them as well. Salvation history was being made!
God told His people, “The Gentiles shall see thy righteousness” (Isaiah 62:2). Zechariah 8:13 says, “So will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing.” In Isaiah 56, He promised “an everlasting name” (verse 5) and a place on His holy mountain (verse 7) to those Gentiles who joined themselves to the Lord and kept His commands (verses 3, 4). Praise the Lord we, as Gentiles, are also called by His name and have a place with Him.

 

THOUGHT
As God’s people, may unbelievers around us see our righteousness in Christ, be blessed and join themselves to our Lord because of our influence.

 

Kelli Reynolds