Teaching with Openness, Unhindered
Scripture Passage: Acts 28:23-31 (NASB)
23 When they had set a day for Paul, people came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,
‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, and will not understand;
And you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;
27 For the hearts of this people have become insensitive,
And with their ears they hardly hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.”’
28 Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”
30 Now Paul stayed two full years in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
SUMMARY
Paul solemnly testified to the Jews in Rome about the kingdom of God and Jesus. Some believed in the gospel, but others would not. Paul explained to them that the Holy Spirit already spoke through prophet Isaiah that some would understand with their heart and return and be healed, while others with insensitive hearts would not perceive. Salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles who will listen. Paul stayed two full years in Rome preaching and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
Verse 31 caught my attention when I read through this last passage of the book of Acts - preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered. Paul not only proclaimed the gospel around two thousand years ago, but the kingdom of God is still preached continuously and His work is in action in every nation without hindrance. God opens the eyes and ears of those who are sensitive and eager to know Him. He uses every follower of Christ, including us in Holywave, to share gospel with them. It did not end as the book of Acts closes with the last verse. I see the open invitation for me to be a bold witness of the kingdom of God.
Paul stayed two years in Rome and welcomed all who came to him. That was also the time he wrote Ephesians, which our current series of sermons our pastors teach us. I meditated on what Paul wrote in Ephesians 1 and 2 after Sunday's sermon and pondered on the journey he went through in Acts. Seeing how Paul’s faith was tested and these trials brought him deeper understanding of God’ love, salvation, and the true meaning of cross. I believe that God made all these teachings organized together to help me further my understanding of Scripture and help me act accordingly to His Will. Paul did not stop at preaching, teaching, writing, praying, he also allowed gospel transformed his action. All these are made possible because Jesus Christ is the author and perfecter of our faith. It really made me reflect on my action. Do I apply what the Holy Spirit teaches me? Am I in Christ and being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit?
APPLICATION
My son recently fell on the way walking to school. He bit his inner cheek pretty bad. Tonight he could not eat his dinner and he has been constantly seeking my comfort and attention. When he acted like a baby, my younger one would act even more like a baby. Hybrid learning for kindergarten makes our pandemic life pretty chaotic. In the middle of helping the little one finishing up her art project around 9 o’clock, my son put his Bible on top of my piled work. He hinted to me that he cannot read his Bible by himself tonight. I was so exhausted and so ready to tell him I will read to him tomorrow night. Then I found myself thinking about that very last verse that I have been meditating and asking God to show me how to apply. God answered my prayer by preparing my son’s heart. When he needed comfort tonight, he was seeking comfort from God’ word. His physical pain has sensitized his heart. That was a wonderful opportunity to teach him about Jesus. I am so thankful that I can read with my children and pray Lord’s prayer together with openness, unhindered.
PRAYER
Almighty God,
Thank you for every opportunity You give me to teach my children about Jesus and Your kingdom. Give me strength to continue building up their faith so that we are a family with Your kingdom vision and act according to Your will. I pray that my family are one in Christ. Give my children the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they may know You better. In Jesus name I pray.
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