SCRIPTURE: Acts 21
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 5:20] Jesus explained that He did not come to abolish the Law of Moses but to fulfill it. Here Paul is accused of undermining the Law, of not observing it. Yet Paul surpasses it.
The point of the Law is to honour God and love people. Paul is seeking to do both. His love leads Him to Jerusalem, and to respect the customs of the people. He does not unnecessarily provoke, even though his own view is that the Law no longer applies. But as he says elsewhere, he will become all things to all people so that he can win them to Christ [1 Corinthians 9:19-23]. In this way, he not only fulfills the Law, He surpasses it. It is just a code, but he translates that code into flesh and blood practice.
This passage shows that we will be maligned and falsely accused if we stand up for and speak for Jesus. People will not understand, they will not respond in a health, appropriate way. In those circumstances, we need to go beyond the letter of the Law and live out the heart of the Law, to surpass the strict words and practice excessive love (mercy). This does not mean that we are weak, but it does mean that we are not cruel or sinful. No matter what others say and do, we must demonstrate Jesus’ kind of righteousness, the kind that surpassed the technical righteousness of the Pharisees.
Paul goes through these temple motions for the sake of the Jewish christians, that he might win some. He longs to see his brothers and sisters restored to God through Jesus. It pains him to see his extended family reject the promised messiah.
So what righteousness is the Spirit calling me to show, even though it may mean suffering or ridicule? Am I prepared to do anything, in order that I might save some? Will I even go backwards, adopt old or new practices that make no sense to me, for the sake of the others, that I might win them to Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, make me zealous for people who do not know You. Help me to identify with them, that they may identify with You.
In his travels, Paul, was always greeted by the church – the family of believers. They welcomed him and when he left, they prayed for him. What a blessing it is to be a part of that family and to be lifted up on the wings of prayer.
Each time there was also opposition for Paul. Speaking the name of Christ divides, yet Paul, as far as it depends upon him, tries to live at peace with them – going out of his way to win them over. How often do I not insist upon my own way? I too am prejudiced. God must be first in all things. Open my eyes Lord.
And God takes care of His own. As Paul continue to be a hero of the faith, Christ takes care of him. God takes care of ALL. All I need to do is go forward , doing His will for my life and trust and obey.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Filled with messages from Thee.