Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
“Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’” As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the Word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the Word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.”
– Acts 13:38-46
Devotion
As was their custom, when Paul and Barnabas would enter a new city, they would first preach the Good News to the Jews in that region. After preaching to their Jewish brothers, they would then proclaim the Good News of Jesus to the Gentiles. This message of forgiveness and justification through faith in Jesus would become the centerpiece of their teaching. Once again, we see mixed results from their message. The Jews got angry and became abusive while the Gentiles received this message with joy and gladness.
The Big Question
How has the Good News of forgiveness and justification through Jesus impacted your life? How does it make you feel to know that your past, regardless of how sordid it may be, can be forgiven? How are you facing things from your past that may be holding you down now?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.