Resolving Conflict God's Way
Scripture Passage: Acts 15: 12-21 (NASB)
12 All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.
13 After they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. 15 The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written:
16 ‘After these things I will return,
And I will rebuild the fallen tabernacle of David,
And I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will restore it,
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’
18 Says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago.
19 Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
SUMMARY
At the council of Jerusalem James speaks out against the party of the Pharisees. James quoted the prophecy from the book of Amos about how the Gentiles will be seeking the Lord. James admonished the crowd that they should write to the Gentiles, telling them to abstain from idols, sexual immorality and inappropriate food in accordance with the law of Moses.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
As a Jew, it must’ve been difficult to think that their God of Moses, now wanted all men (Gentiles) to come under the grace and salvation of Jesus Christ. This gift was now to be given to all mankind because there was no discrimination as to who would be saved. If it wasn’t for the intervention of God to allow this revelation to be unveiled, I would not stand here today as a follower of Jesus Christ. The blessings that were only available to God’s chosen people have now become mine. What a privilege and honor that God gave this good news to the Jews and then, they were able to pass it on to the Gentiles, to me. And now, I have the calling to share it to those around me; It’s not mine to keep but it’s a gift to be shared freely.
APPLICATION
I was reminded of God‘s command to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. But as I look at my life, I can only say that it’s been quite a while since I shared the gospel with those around me. If I don’t say anything, how will they ever know? Like the Jews in the book of Acts, I too many times feel that I am entitled to God’s salvation, and I have been taking it for granted. But today’s passage teaches me that I need to come out of this selfish and proud-full mentality and release this gift of life (gospel) that others need to hear. I am so grateful that the good news of Jesus reached me through many who planted into my life. I want to start sharing with my siblings who have fallen away. I will also emphatically pray that God will bring others around them to minister to them. I will share bible verses on a weekly basis in our family chat room, and encourage them to attend worship online.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for restoring my relationship with you at the cross. I know that all of my sin put You there and you endured everything for the joy that was set before You. I owe my life to You and there’s nothing I will regret more than if I did not share the gospel with those around me. Someone needs to tell them, just like someone had to tell me. Please give me the courage, love and desperation to prayerfully seek those who need to hear about You.
In Jesus Name, amen.
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