The Power of Words
Opening Prayer
Loving Father, as I come before You today, I am lost in wonder, love, and praise. How great You are!
Read Acts 13:26-41
[26]
Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
“We are surrounded by (words), bombarded by them, enticed by them, confused by them. Amidst the cacophony …, we need to hear the good news of redemption” (C. Welton Gaddy).
Think Further
Today’s passage is all about the power of words–God’s historical words (33-35,41) finding vibrant application in Paul’s sermon, in vivid contrast to human words used to undermine and harm (45,50). Paul makes clear the human response and choice that his enemies made when confronted with Jesus and his claims (28,29), but also how God overruled them in raising Jesus from the dead (30). These are words of Good News–the message of salvation (26).
When God spoke centuries before through the poetry of the psalms and the prophecies of Habakkuk and Isaiah, those words carried life. They bore fruit at the time and have continued to do so down through the centuries. Paul repeated them here as a demonstration of God’s faithfulness to what he had promised, and they gave deep meaning to the content of Paul’s sermon, so much so that many responded (42-44). That is how it must be with us today, also. Whenever we are confronted with God’s Word, it demands a response, a choice (Jas. 1:22). Ignoring or neglecting it is not a viable option. Paul warns them that they must make their choice, choose wisely and not fall into the trap that those before them fell into (40). They scoffed, they rejected and they perished (41).
That same Good News of forgiveness of sins (35) is still offered to people today–people who may have, up to the present, simply ignored or neglected to respond to God’s gracious invitation in Jesus. We have the privilege of coming to them, with loving concern, as Paul did, and sharing that Good News clearly. It’s an urgent task, but also an honor to bear the message of God’s faithfulness and love to our generation, as Paul did to his.
Apply
Keep a log of today’s interpersonal conversations. At the end of the day, look them over. Were your words affirming and encouraging, pointing others to the Savior?
Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, I ask that today You will caution me in what I say. May I share affirming, encouraging words with others and share the words of the Gospel.
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