October 30
Evidence of Faith
When the apostles back in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message. They sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new Christians to receive the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-15 (NLT)
Peter and John were changed men. This was a breakthrough. The apostles began sharing the Good News outside their tight-knit Jewish communities just as Jesus had commanded.
There was a time as disciples when these men felt severely snubbed by the Samaritan’s lack of hospitality—James and John in particular. They were so incensed they asked Jesus if they could rain down fire from heaven on these half-breeds (Luke 9:45). All Jews, it seemed, hated the Samaritans, but Jesus calls all of us to something so much better (Luke 9:46).
We too will have our difficult people and Jesus expects nothing but the same from us: lovingly sharing Good News with unlovely, unruly people. It is an act of love and more. It is evidence we are who we say we are—children of God.
Father, open these opportunities for me; help me to be faithful in loving others in word and deed. Amen.
Evidence of Faith
When the apostles back in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message. They sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new Christians to receive the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-15 (NLT)
Peter and John were changed men. This was a breakthrough. The apostles began sharing the Good News outside their tight-knit Jewish communities just as Jesus had commanded.
There was a time as disciples when these men felt severely snubbed by the Samaritan’s lack of hospitality—James and John in particular. They were so incensed they asked Jesus if they could rain down fire from heaven on these half-breeds (Luke 9:45). All Jews, it seemed, hated the Samaritans, but Jesus calls all of us to something so much better (Luke 9:46).
We too will have our difficult people and Jesus expects nothing but the same from us: lovingly sharing Good News with unlovely, unruly people. It is an act of love and more. It is evidence we are who we say we are—children of God.
Father, open these opportunities for me; help me to be faithful in loving others in word and deed. Amen.
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