Today’s scripture: Acts 13:44-52; Acts 14:1-7 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Rev. Tammy Mills):
Recently I have gone through some very difficult times with my family of origin. We are at odds over the whole “gay thing” and about how we are expanding our family. It has gotten so ugly that I have had to do as Paul and Barnabas did — shake the sand off my shoes and move on.
That “shake the dust off your sandals and move on” is a whole lot harder than it sounds. Paul and Barnabas must have been heartbroken that their own folks didn’t understand the wonderful message they were sharing. I am beginning to understand their heartbreak as I deal with my family.
I am also coming to understand that at some point we have to move on and share our joy with folks who can understand and celebrate with us. Paul and Barnabas knew when it was time to go and share the news elsewhere. I have to be open to the same idea.
Today I take from this scripture that you can only do what you can do. The rest is up to God. There is a time to move on and I am at my healthiest when I acknowledge it is time to move on rather than staying for the persecution.
Thought for the day: It’s not always possible to live in harmony with everyone — sometimes even with the ones I love dearly. Who do I need to entrust to God’s care?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.