Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Do We Hear the Words?


Acts 13:24-27
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.  25 As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you think I am? I am not that one.   No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’
26 “Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.

John the Baptist, a great preacher of repentance, the man that baptized Jesus, the one who lived in the desert, he was quite an unusual man in many ways.  Some thought he was the Messiah but he made it very clear that he was not.  He made it clear that the Christ was coming and He was much greater than John.

The Messiah did come, just as John the Baptist prophesied.  He came but none of the leaders recognized Him.  Scripture was fulfilled through these blinded leaders.  The verse that really stood out to me was the last verse of this passage, : . . .  yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.”  These leaders were reading these words every Sabbath and the people were listening by no one was recognizing what the Scriptures were telling them. No one realized they were crucifying the Messiah even though the words regarding Him were being read every Sabbath.

I had to wonder how many words from Scripture are being read in our churches today but we are not listening to them.  We are so caught up in our own agenda that we do not hear what the Word of God is telling us.  Some people sit through a Sunday morning service every Sunday, rarely missing, yet they fail to see the importance of those words in their own lives.  Next Sunday, when the scripture is being read, let’s focus on what the Words are saying.  Are they telling us something we need to take to heart? Because some were not listening, we are able to say that we have Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.  But now, we need to listen, apply, and share with others the greatness of our Lord and Savior.

As you seek Him, ask Him to reveal to you the written words that you will be able to share with others. If you think that the Scriptures were not written for you or do not apply to you read 2 Timothy 3:16-17

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203:16-17&version=NIV1984)
Read it, apply it, and be equipped to serve the Lord.

Seeking Him with all my heart,
Sheila


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