To know God

They went on from Perga and arrived in Antioch in Pisidia, and on the Sabbath they went into the synagogue and sat down. After reading from the Law of Moses and from the writings of the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message: ‘Friends, we want you to speak to the people if you have a message of encouragement for them.’ (verses 14,15)

Read Acts 13:13-25

Antioch was a big town with good roads. It was a popular trade centre. It had a large Jewish population. It was also a Roman colony and had many retired military families. By coming to Antioch Paul was able to kill two birds with one stone; teaching in the synagogue meant having a Jewish and Gentile audience.

For the Gentiles, the idea of a risen Christ was a new concept. The Jews, however, thought they already understood the Scriptures. Paul was about to tell them that their understanding needed to reach a new level.

Today in our churches it’s the same. There are people for whom the idea of a loving Christ is new. And there are those who have attended church all their lives and are still waiting to truly know their Lord. Both need direction and teaching. Both need love and guidance. It’s easy to forget that church attendance doesn’t necessarily result in a full understanding of Christianity. You and those who are close to you constantly need God’s ‘message of encouragement’.

I believe, Lord. Remove my unbelief.  Amen.

by Kathy Hoopmann, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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