Two reactions

So they set a date with Paul, and a large number of them came that day to the place where Paul was staying. From morning till night he explained to them his message about the Kingdom of God, and he tried to convince them about Jesus by quoting from the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. Some of them were convinced by his words, but others would not believe. (verses 23,24)

Read Acts 28:1-16

In talking to the Jewish leaders in Rome, Paul quoted the Old Testament and showed that it pointed to Jesus. He would have told them how all the promises in the past had now been fulfilled and completed in Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension.

The reaction was that some believed, but others weren’t convinced. Unfortunately, many people hear but don’t understand, and some see but don’t perceive what they see. Sometimes people’s hearts become hard, and then their ears stop hearing and they close their eyes to the truth.

Sometimes we may try to convince people about Jesus. We may even try to use our trump card: using Scripture verses as our irrefutable ‘proof’. Some will be convinced, but others will only be strengthened in their unbelief. When this happens it’s not your fault. There have always been and always will be these two reactions by people who hear the word of God.

If you believe, thank God that you are able to hear his word, and seek to understand it. For those you know who don’t believe, pray that they will one day truly see, hear and understand.

Dear heavenly Father, open my heart, my eyes and my ears to you and your word. Amen.

by Stuart Kleinig, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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