Shake the Dust from Our Feet
What an extra busy day it has been, Father – bus routes, a dental appointment, more bus routes, and then a trip to help out a family member. I am weary but it has all been for the good. May Your blessing be upon all we’ve done.
Acts 13:44-52 (<<click here to read the passage)
In our current political environment, it’s easy to find someone that doesn’t agree with the “truth” that we hold to. Some like to argue (in some pointless attempt to change the minds of others) but sometimes is just easier to write them off as a hopeless case and not worth the effort to change them to our way of thinking.
In today’s passage, something far more important took place. Verse 51 reads,
So they [Paul and Barnabas] shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium. NLT
The opening sentence of the note on this verse from my Life Application Study Bible had this to say, “Often Jews would shake the dust off their feet when leaving a Gentile town on the way back to their own land. This symbolized cleansing themselves from the contamination of those who did not worship God.”
That was a pretty poignant display, don’t you think?
In the Gospel of Mark, it is recorded that when Jesus sent his disciples out two by two to minister in the surrounding area, he commanded them,
“But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” Mark 6:11 NLT
My Bible study notes continue by saying, “For Paul and Barnabas to do this to Jews demonstrated that Jews who rejected the Good News were not truly part of Israel and were no better than pagans.”
Paul and company just left it as it was – nothing more was said, and that final act said it all.
Should they have continued to try to convince them of the truth? It would have been advisable to pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to reach out to them. But would their efforts have really accomplished anything?
In my opening paragraph, I spoke of our political environment. Do you know of anyone who ever changed their mindset to believe as truth, something they had always held to be a lie? I will admit it can happen, but I would dare say that those instances have been relatively few and far between.
One thing that needs to be stressed here is the fact that on the far more important spiritual side of things, if our message of Jesus’ saving power is rejected by those we share it with, and if we have shared it as faithfully as we know how to, then we are not to blame for their rejection. Ultimately, the decision made is up to each one of us, individually.
If we have done everything we could to present the way of salvation to someone and they do not take it to heart it is not our fault. We can’t fret about it but must leave it in God’s more than capable hands. We pray, shake the dust from our feet, and move on.
May 4th, 2022, Wed, 8:51 pm
Benefited, Not Polluted
The Lord is king!
….Let the nations tremble!
He sits on his throne between the cherubim.
….Let the whole earth quake!
The Lord sits in majesty in Jerusalem,
….exalted above all the nations.
Let them praise your great and awesome name.
….Your name is holy! Psalm 99:1-3 NLT
Acts 13:44-52 (<<click here to read the passage)
I drive a 2008 Toyota Tacoma with over 178,000 miles on it. (When I drove to Kohl’s 5 days a week, I’d put on about 300 miles a week!) Two winters ago, I discovered that mice had taken up residence in it. First of all, I saw visible evidence, in that their droppings were all over the place. Then I smelled their presence – if you’ve ever had hamsters or gerbils, you’d recognize that smell!
I found one of their nests in a storage compartment in my extended cab. I cleaned it out and wiped everything down with disinfectant. Regardless, the smell didn’t go away. It seemed to be stronger when I ran the heater and later the air conditioner. I suspected they may also have set up house in my ventilation system somewhere but didn’t know where to look. Shortly thereafter, the smell disappeared, so out of nose…out of mind.
Well, it started again this past winter, that is in my ventilation system. I had my truck in for something else and while it was in, I had them look into it. Sure enough, they found a substantial nest in my cabin filter. Yuck! They cleaned the nest out and replaced the filter – end of problem. (At least until next winter!)
The mice took something that was supposed to benefit the air in my truck by keeping it filtered and instead polluted it…disgustingly so.
In today’s passage, we see an example of something that was supposed to have benefited all of humanity by filtering out the sin that polluted it. Way back in Genesis 12, as God laid the foundations of what would become the nation of Israel, i.e., Abraham’s calling, God stated,
“All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” v3b NLT
God’s plan from the get-go was for Israel to be the instrument by which the entire world was blessed. …but they rejected the whole idea of Jesus being the Messiah. It didn’t fit their idea of what the Messiah was supposed to do and be.
Paul loved his people dearly, so he repeatedly (even after this instance) gave them opportunities to accept the truth, but time and time again they rejected the truth. Sadly, Paul proclaimed that they judged [them]selves unworthy of eternal life… v46b
Paul then said, “…we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said…” And then he quoted what God through the prophet Isaiah had exclaimed,
‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
….to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’” v47 NLT
Despite His people’s utter lack of cooperation, God’s will would be accomplished. His word would go forth and Paul, God’s first missionary of the Gospel, fought the good fight until the very end, shining his light before a world lost in the darkness of sin. May we carry our lights high as well. Amen!
May 3rd, 2022, Tues, 6:28 pm
A Chain of Understanding
What a day! Father, bless those who love to show that they care for us. May they feel Your love and blessing on their lives in palpable ways! Amen.
Acts 13:13-43 (<<click here to read the passage)
I don’t think I’ve seen one in quite a while but growing up I remember making paper chains. They were simple to construct – strips of colorful paper and tape or a stapler were all the supplies you needed. How you put it all together was totally up to you. You could easily follow a color scheme or have just as much fun using all the colors.
When you were done, they could be hung on the walls or from the ceiling, or on a tree. Anywhere and anyhow, you chose. Children could easily help and in the end, you had some nice, colorful décor without a whole lot out of pocket!
When Paul and Barnabas stepped into the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia (a district in what is now the country of Turkey) they were sent this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.” v15b
So Paul stood…and started speaking. v16
Remember he was a very well-educated man, a Pharisee of Pharisees…he knew his stuff. He began with the origins of the nation of Israel from the time they lived in Egypt – 460 years in all. With great skill, he linked the chain of their history together – the conquest of Canaan, the judges, their first King Saul, then King David… about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’ v22b
His chain then linked David with Jesus, one of King David’s descendants…v23a
He then ably spelled out the Good News of the Gospel, clearly explaining the necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He concluded his “sermon” by stating,
“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.” vs38-39 NLT
Paul used what he knew of his people and his Lord to link together a chain of understanding…at least the possibility of it. Inevitably they – like we – had to choose. The chain was clearly laid out, but they had to embrace what they learned from it.
Paul’s technique is an excellent example to follow when we share the Good News and as my Life Application Study Bible says…begin where your audience is – then tell them about Christ.
Lord Jesus, use us to spread the word about Your Kingdom. May we not forget the focus of the Good News: Forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt are available through faith in Christ to all people…
It’s that simple.
May 2nd, 2022, Mon, 7:07 pm
Writing in the “Rain”
Thank You, Father, for a good day overall – good services this morning, a good and fulfilling time this afternoon in an annual church business meeting, and a quiet late afternoon with family. Thank You, Father, for the blessing of life.
********
Today has been beautiful. We had some rain pass through this morning before we awoke but after that, it was a bit overcast then the sun was so bright that even with my shades and the car’s visors it was blinding. We really couldn’t ask for better weather.
I’ve been here for over an hour trying to write…to no avail. I usually play instrumental music as I sit here – it drowns out conversation or the TV as my family enjoys themselves. (I’m at the dining room table, and they’re in the living room.) It works quite well.
But nothing is coming to mind. I’ve gone down several rabbit holes…and nothing. Even the normal music I listened to seemed to be distracting me, so I looked up “white noise” on Spotify and ended up with a podcast from Relaxing White Noise – it’s almost 8 hours of Forest Rain Sounds.
So, here I sit “in the rain” and in it, I decided to just start writing.
In the Old Testament book of 1 Kings 19, a story is told about the prophet Elijah, a mighty man of God. Right before this passage, God used him to send a very clear message to the rebellious King Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and his wicked wife Jezebel. Elijah literally prayed down fire from heaven that consumed a saturated offering – bull, wood, stones, water, and all! (Read 1 Kings 18 – it’s an exciting story!)
So, after this great victory over evil, Elijah crashed. He hid in fear that Jezebel would take him out. He’s in a cave far away (he trekked for 40 days and nights!), hoping to never be found…and he’s feeling sorry for himself.
But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” vs9b-10
The Lord then directed him to stand before Him on the mountain. There was a great wind that tore rocks from the mountain itself. There was an earthquake then fire, but God was in none of those. Lastly, there was the sound of a gentle whisper.
When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” v12c-13
There is more to the story, but as I sit here “in the rain” I can’t help but wonder if God is asking the same of me… “What are you doing here, Thom?” and I’m not exactly sure what to say…it just seems easier to hide my face…
Now I haven’t had any huge “battles” recently but it’s often easy to wonder, what am I doing here? I have served faithfully and often it feels like it’s just not enough. I am still here and feel like I should have gotten somewhere by now. I truly feel that I am where God wants me to be, so why should I worry or fret. God uses me as He will. And I just have to trust Him, as I sit back and let the sounds of rain wash over me.
Lord may Your will be done in me. Amen.
May 1st, 2022, Sun, 7:28 pm
Problem Child? Know the Difference
Through it all, Father, I am grateful…for You. Through all the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, You rejoice with us in our victories and hold us when life lays us low. All love to You the Father of our hearts.
Acts 13:6-12 (<<click here to read the passage)
When you look at others, what do you see? If you were a fly on the wall of my bus…well, if the kids saw you, they’d scream, “Bee!” and panic and I’d have a situation on my hands!
But seriously, if you saw the kids on my bus and they were who they are, what would you see? I’d tell you right up front that many are a handful…if not two handfuls! But would you see them as problems? As disciplinary issues? As failed results of parental mishandling? Would you write them off? Would you just turn and run?
In the mornings I usually end up close to the first-grade hallway entrance which is where most kids enter the building. One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of kids reach out to the current teacher on “bus” duty every day. Some gesture for high-fives, but many – no, most – of them wrap their arms around them and give them a big hug. They hug them back or pat them on the head, and they stroll off with a big ol’ smile on their face. And this happens over and over again.
This afternoon as one of my last drop-offs was getting ready to step into the stairwell to get off the bus, I said, “Have a good rest of your day, buddy” and he stopped, put his arm over my shoulder, and gave me a big hug. He happens to be a special needs child and I know his homelife…well let’s just say “dysfunctional” wouldn’t even begin to describe it.
I don’t know what you would see in these circumstances, but I see kids starving for love and acceptance. They, as we all do, crave it. At best many of them are ignored but many are neglected. Some are abused – verbally, emotionally, physically. It’s easy for them to respond to kind words and caring gestures eagerly.
In today’s passage, Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. He saw Bar-Jesus [Elymas] – the sorcerer – for the person he was. He held nothing back when he said in verse 10,
“You [Elymas] who are full of every [kind of] deceit, and every [kind of] fraud, you son of the devil, enemy of everything that is right and good, will you never stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? AMP
This was a time for confrontation and Paul did what needed done. But I want to make it clear that there is also a time for compassion and understanding.
As outsiders looking in it is so easy to be judgmental, to lump every “problem” child – or adult for that matter – into the same stereotype. The bad thing is many times we know nothing of what brought them to be where they are and who they are.
My Life Application Study Bible spells it out.
There is a time to be nice and a time to confront. Ask God to show you the difference and to give you the courage to do what is right.
Lord Jesus, help us to listen to You for truly only You know the difference and can show us what needs to be done. Amen.
Apr 28th, 2022, Thurs, 8:11 pm