Have you ever been on the ground floor of something new in your community? Our reading today is about one of those early meetings of church leaders to discuss issues facing new believers. Church leadership wanted to be on the same page about what the “new” laws would be. Christ-followers could now be Jew or Gentile, and that whole dynamic was huge in those days.
You’re a Gentile if you’re a non-Jewish person. Jewish believers had to really stretch to allow Gentiles to worship Jesus, too. It’s helpful to know the context here. The issue focuses on tradition and what should be expected of new followers who have no idea about Jewish traditions and laws. For generations, the Jews had done things a certain way according to the law of Moses. Their neighbors, the Gentiles, lived their lives in a totally different fashion.
For our themed readings focusing on “Living as God Desires,” this text gives us great examples of what to do when you have a faith question. What did Paul and Barnabas do? They convened with God and other believers to make a God honoring decision consistent with their beliefs. Their conclusion, “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements.” A good decision is approved by the Holy Spirit.
God wants us to make God-inspired decisions and never be afraid to ask the hard faith questions. I constantly challenge the girls at the orphanage where I teach Bible classes to ask those kinds of questions. Sometimes we find the answer, other times we just pray. A question commonly asked is, “Why does God let bad things happen?”
A very good question, indeed. I’ve heard it answered in a powerful way. To simplify, evil has control in the world, and God stands ready to make something beautiful happen and be by your side the whole way. Here’s a great promise from Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Ground rules are important to set expectations. After all, anytime people gather, it’s a given that issues will arise. Being part of the Christ-follower community, we want to make sure we’re acting in God honoring ways. I don’t know about you, but I want to represent Jesus well. That’s what good Christians do—resemble Jesus.
If you ever wonder if you’re welcome as a Christ follower, James’ words, quoting the prophets, should suffice, “so that the rest of humanity might seek the Lord, including the Gentiles—all those I have called to be mine.” God intended for all of humanity to have access to him. He wants us to seek him. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
How do you respond knowing that you are welcome as a child of God?
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for the grace you so freely give. I sometimes don’t feel worthy of such a marvelous gift. My gratitude overflows when I focus on your grace and mercy. Help me to reach those who don’t know you or aren’t sure they understand you. Give me wisdom to say the right things to make them feel welcome. Use me to direct their attention toward you and your love for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
