Week 43 - The Journey Apostle Paul
"But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law." The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, "My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they." The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. James on Dietary Law. After they had fallen silent, James responded, "My brothers, listen to me. It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood." Acts 15:5-13, 19-20
Authority. The Council of Jerusalem, aprox A.D. 50. As you listen to the discussion within the room, it is the authority that God has placed within the room that speaks the loudest yet in a small still voice. We all have insights and perceptions but it must be judged against the authority of the Church that Jesus established. A man without a rudder will be blown around by the wind.
You can see the conflict between the Mosaic law and the Eternal covenant that Jesus established on the cross. Is it works that we are saved by or is it by grace. Yet you can see grace at work. If we are guided by a set of laws and do not have love then we are just a sounding gong that no one listens. In the end Love triumphs thru God's authority for when He speaks we have a choice to respond with love which is grace in action or hold onto our flawed viewpoint.
What is God saying to me? Do you hear My call, that small still voice that repeats the message of love, over and over again. Not all have the understanding for it is in the stillness that I Am heard.
Dear Father, there is beauty in the silence and the stillness, the perception of You by my side. Your Son walked this way and never alone, it is all part of the journey. Thank You Father for changing hearts and instilling the grace that changes the world. Thank You for the authority of the Church, we must all learn to recognize its strength. Bless this day and all it has to offer, prayers for a friend that is experiencing loneliness. In Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Most Ardent, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
No comments:
Post a Comment