Remove the roadblocks
by Stuart Gray
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It is my judgement, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God (Acts 15:19).
Read Acts 15:12–21
This passage starts with Barnabas and Paul relating the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Their story was so powerful that the whole assembly became silent as they listened.
I can’t remember the last time I heard a speaker so powerful that the room became silent, let alone felt awe-struck by a speaker telling of what God has done through them.
Part of the story Paul and Barnabas were telling has been covered in this week’s devotions – the almost frenetic travels around parts of the Mediterranean, converting people to Christianity, enduring beatings and stoning, experiencing terrible conditions and conflicts, yet coming back to fledgling communities to support them in their spiritual growth.
In yesterday’s devotion, we saw that the relationship between Judaism and Christianity was a significant issue in the early church. Were Christians just a subset or sect within Judaism, or was this something new?
In today’s passage, we get a resolution to the dilemma. James quotes Amos 9:11,12, saying it was always God’s plan and purpose to ‘take in’ the Gentiles and that they should be part of God’s kingdom. He concludes that they shouldn’t make it difficult for people who are turning to God and should welcome the fulfilment of God’s promises. But as with all negotiations, a compromise was made, and while circumcision would not be required of the Gentiles, they were asked to abstain from four practices that were difficult for the Jews to accommodate.
Do we put roadblocks in the way of people turning to God on a journey of spiritual inquiry?
We could knowingly or unknowingly do this by our actions, our attitude towards them or our insistence that they have to go to church or the ‘right’ church.
What can we do to stop being a roadblock to those seeking God?
We pray that you work through us to bring healing and understanding to those around us. Help us to encourage people and not put obstacles in the way of people seeking your love and grace. Amen.
Stuart, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He loves living on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria, being involved in the Mansfield community and travelling. He is currently travelling in Europe, which will include a visit to the Poznan region of Poland, where some of Australia’s original German Lutherans came.
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