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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Friday, February 13, 2004 |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, February 13, 2004, by Mike Martine
Bible text:
Acts 21: 17-36
Like most of us, I have a proud streak. A streak that says, “This is who I am, so deal with it.”
Part of this comes, in fact, from my sense of freedom in Christ. From the knowledge that God has embraced me, made me God’s own child in baptism, and now desires that I live confident in that salvation.
I don’t think Paul was any different. He had come to realize, in his conversion, that being a Jew was not essential to being a Christian - thus his ministry to the gentiles. But in today’s text we see him go through a purification rite, just to show everyone that he is still “a good Jew.”
Did Paul feel this was necessary? I don’t think so. But he did not want his personal sense of freedom to interfere with a greater need, a greater truth - the proclamation of the gospel.
Sometimes, we have to measure our behavior, watch what we say, set an example. Sometimes this comes at times when we want to express our anger, or cry out. Sometimes it might even mean going the “extra mile” to show others that your heart is truly in the right place. Swallowing your pride a bit, allowing concerns and questions to be raised, even if you think the questions are unfair.
In these times, Paul is an inspiration to us. He is a shining example of the fact that, if you put God’s message before your pride, you will more than likely find that God provides you with the chance to be an example of Christ. If you put God first, you will be rewarded.
Let us pray: Father, we ask for the strength to put you first in our lives. We ask for the strength to live in the freedom of Christ without inordinate pride. We ask for patience and peace, and for hearts that are always open to others. Bless us and keep us, O Lord, in the name of Jesus, AMEN.
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