Acts 13: 43 March 12, 2014

Brad Barris               

Acts 13: 43              

March 12, 2014                

(NIV)  When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

The word “Grace” must have sounded so strange to the ears of the early church. Paul and Barnabas were teaching a concept that people did not understand.  Sacrifices, fasting, and religious ritual were the only true ways to please God. An eye for an eye……a tooth for a tooth………the youngest purest lamb….. undefiled…… slaughtered and sacrificed to our God.

Times haven’t changed much since then. We are steeped in our religiosity…….performance, performance, performance. We grow tired and weary as we fail to keep “The Law”.  “What’s the use? I cannot keep up.”

It is only then, that we can be lifted in our Father’s arms and hear His words of Grace. “I love you just as you are. Rest and walk with me.”

Dear Lord……….Warm us with your Grace. Help my human heart understand that You are all I need.