Thursday, July 21, 2016

God's Choice

S - “After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. … The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles.” Acts 15:7-9, 12-14 NIV

O - Jesus lived his life on earth convinced that his Father was already working.  He didn't come to work for his Father but with him.  He didn't start this work but rather joined his Father in the work he was already engaging.  This was also the experience of the first followers, of the ambassadors Jesus personally selected to be witnesses. The Scriptures above confirm that God wasn't waiting but was already working … showing that his choice is a choice of no discrimination based on religion, ethnicity and the like. He is choosing, calling all people to become the people for his name, for the name of Jesus.  He's wanting us all to stop working for him and to start working with him.  Religion thinks God needs our help.  Heaven only wants our cooperation.  Religion is always trying to say who is "in" and who is "out". Heaven is calling all people to come near and stay near.  This story confirms the truth that on planet earth God is intervening and religion is interfering (see the complete story in Acts 15).   

A -  Heaven is working!  It's not waiting for us … has never waited for us.  Instead, it's inviting us all to join Jesus and his Father in the work they're doing. Will I accept God's choice?  Will I admit, believe, embrace the truth that he is already working even in the lives of those who are not yet aware of his activity?  Conclusion? Heaven is engaged in 7.4 billion "projects" and is heading toward 7.5.  It is working and already has in mind what it intends to do (John 6:6).  I'll do what heaven wants … follow Jesus, get the beam out of my own eye and work with him not for him.  I'll admit that I'm not a project manager but gratefully one of his projects.  I accept God's choice and God's intervention.

P - God who works to this very day,
I am so very grateful for the coming of Jesus who clarifies your person and your purposes.  I accept him and his clear and exact representation of you and your activity. Thank you for wanting us to join you in the work you're doing … so we can be together with you; even though you don't need us for anything.  Thank you for loving and wanting all.  Thank you for including me. I love you back. I welcome your intervention and refuse to interfere. I'll live and pray in Jesus and in his name.
Steve

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