Friday, December 8, 2023

Acts 11:19-24

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 

We modern Christians can miss the significance of this small narrative in Acts. Stephen had been stoned to death for his proclamation of Jesus as Christ, and Jewish-background Christians were forced to flee the city. They followed Jesus’ instructions to share the good news, but only with their fellow Jews. Yet, some Jewish believers shared Jesus with Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews), people not quite like themselves—and many turned to the Lord! Barnabas was sent to make sure their conversion was authentic, and he was glad to see their faith.

So? Jesus the Jewish Messiah came to save everyone everywhere, but it took a little time for Jewish Christians to realize this truth. Paul writes about it as a “mystery,” not something to be solved but a truth hidden until now: God’s plan all along was to save non-Jewish people too. Praise God! Because for most of you, that means you. That means me. That means people in the Buddhist world.

O God, thank You for Your salvation for all people, that You have now in Jesus revealed Your mystery to provide salvation for everyone through Him. Please reveal Your salvation to Buddhists around the world, and draw a great number to believe and turn to You as Lord. Amen.

Prayer:

Psalm 85:8-12

8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,

   for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints;

   but let them not turn back to folly.

9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,

   that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;

   righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground,

   and righteousness looks down from the sky.

12 Yes, the LORD will give what is good,

   and our land will yield its increase.

God the LORD, please draw Buddhists to Your peace, away from false offers of peace and contentment they seek in Buddhism. Please show them that Your salvation is near, available, offered to them personally. Reveal to Buddhists Your steadfast love and faithfulness, Your righteousness and peace! O LORD, You give what is good—please show people in the Buddhist world that You desire to give them good things, both now and in eternity, as they choose to follow You. Thank You for Your goodness! Amen.