January 23, 2023 -- Acts 8:4-8 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Scattered to witness

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.
Acts 8:4-8 ESV

The fact that Saul and the Jewish leadership were persecuting the church meant that many of the believers were chased out of Jerusalem and Judea. They went to Samaria and beyond. Samaritans hated people of Jewish descent. This was a mutual hatred. It made the Parable of the Good Samaritan so much more powerful that the “good neighbour” who helped the robbed and beaten Jewish man was a hated Samaritan, while all the “good Jews” who you’d have expected to help him passed him by (Luke 10:25ff).

Jesus’ words are being fulfilled: “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). What an unexpected way it is happening. Men and women are being thrust into new areas and into places of hiding from the ravages of persecution, and by this, the number of believers swells and increases. See, how the love of God the Father conquers ancient hatred so that former enemies are now brothers and sisters in Christ and the people who see this are compelled to cry out, "See how they love one another". Look at John 13:33-34.

Isn’t it interesting how this recalls Genesis 50:20—what man intended for evil, God intended for good, which is the saving of many lives. The splendor and marvel of eternity will be the opportunity believers have to see, from God’s glorious perspective, how the afflictions and troubles of our lives served His purposes. We will shout and sing to God, “Just and true are all Your ways!” Those who came to know Jesus Christ and through Him the Father’s love, will, strengthened by the Spirit join in shouting, “Blessed are You, King of kings and LORD of lords”. When you suffer, ask, Faithful Father, through this trial, what can I learn? Through these circumstances, who are You drawing to Yourself as I endure this in the strength of Your Spirit and by the grace of Jesus.

Faithful Father, hallowed and blessed be Your Name. Thank You for the rich and great salvation which You have and do continually pour out into my life through the grace of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the precious Spirit, Who holds me under the spout where the grace of Jesus pours out and the love of God is brought to fruitfulness there. I confess it is hard to suffer. In this trial, Heavenly Father, what would You have me learn? In these circumstances I face, who are You drawing close to me, so that by these refining fires You have ignited in my life, I can be a greater, purer witness of Your love. Amen.

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Shane and Shane: Psalm 27

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