February 11, 2012 (Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18 )
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads-I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.” Acts 18:6 NLT
Observation: The Jews refused to accept Christ as the messiah, no matter how much Paul tried to explain the scriptures to them. They were hell bent on doing things their way and believing what they wanted to believe. Paul was the metaphorical life boat God had sent to save them from certain destruction, but they refused to get on board. Paul told them they were responsible for their own destruction and he shook the dust from his clothes and left to preach to people who didn’t already know it all.
Application: Fast forward two thousand years and we find the same type attitudes within many churches. No matter how much the scriptures are explained many refuse to accept Christ on His terms and His way. Many have invented new ways to heaven and reduced Christ to just one of many ways. The people in modern church America are so much like the Jewish people of old it’s frightening. Being hell bent on believing what has always been taught can get you in deep water fast, especially when you’ve been taught a distorted version of the real truth. Don’t refuse the life boat of salvation when Christ reaches out for you. Turn off the thunderous noise of what you already have your mind made up to believe, and search the scriptures daily with a heart they can hear the voice of God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this wonderful day You’ve made. Thank You for the grace and mercy that You provide and protect me with. Help me understand and hear Your truth as I search the scriptures for Your wisdom. Reveal to me what You would have me to believe by Your Holy Spirit. Cleanse my mind of any belief that is contrary to Your gospel. In Jesus name, Amen!