“As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.” (Acts 13:42)
Read all of Acts 13:26–43 for context.
What a response to Paul’s message! When have we been so keen to hear the Word of the Lord brought to us that we cannot wait to hear it again next week?
Perhaps you are part of a Bible study group and look forward to attending each week. You may look forward to Sunday, for a refuelling with word and sacrament. Or perhaps many of us might feel as though we can miss a Sunday here and there, or that attending church once in a while is enough.
As Lutherans, we believe that the Word of God is efficacious, and that he works through it to produce faith and obedience. Certainly, we see an example here of that happening in the synagogue as a result of Paul’s teaching.
We have the privilege of a free country. The Word of God can sit openly on our bookshelves, in our pews, on our phones and computers. Look at how much opportunity there is for God to work if we give Him the opportunity. While our faith is a gift from Him and not something we create ourselves — we need to give Him opportunity to work. We must move on from spiritual milk to solid food. Are we as hungry for the Word as the hearers of Paul’s message?
Choose a book of the Bible, and commit to reading it daily, asking the Lord to work through His Word and create a deeper faith in you. Ask Him to give you desire and passion for His word and the ability to encourage others in their faith. In this world where so many voices call out to us daily, let’s give the Lord the priority of our attention. Go to church!
Prayer
We cry out, Father God, You declare that the Word that goes out from your mouth shall not return to you empty, but it shall accomplish that which You purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which You sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Work in our lives through Your Word brought to us by faithful pastors and increase our desire to learn from You through them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
