In Acts 24 and 28 there are two lines that can use our attention...."Some were convinced by what Paul said, while others refused to believe".....Paul said, "You may be sure that God wants to save the Gentiles. And they will listen!" (Gentiles, of course , were the non- Jewish people. In other words, me and maybe, you!)
Paul said this to the Jewish leaders in Rome, frustrated that his beloved Jewish people refused to listen. Well, as with any area of life today,, some will hear and believe while others will not believe, no matter how powerful the proof. Skeptics are always with us--there is no escaping them--perhaps you, too, are one of them!
My husband's initial reaction to hearing some new information was to be skeptical himself--it'll never work... I don't understand..... it's never been done before. He admits it; but he's grown out of it, honest!
Long ago, the Jews were the skeptics and the Gentiles listened. Even though the Jews were God's chosen people, God wanted the Gentiles to be saved, too. So, they listened.
Today, some Christians believe they are the chosen people. We all must be careful of this for this is self-righteousness. Each of us must be careful of thinking we are special in some way from others. The only difference is we have heard the Good News where some have not. Some of us are going to need a good remodeling, if we think we are better than any other. We must each be open to being remade, or at least to making some adjustments. We must participate in whatever God needs us to change. If no one is listening, God may choose to find people somewhere that will participate.
And remember, even God can't open a hardened heart!
God, your Gentile nation has begun to be self-satisfied. Please forgive your people in all nations, and we earnestly pray for our remodeling, no matter where or on whom it must take affect. Amen.
Jo INMN
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