Today’s Scripture: Acts 19:1-10 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tyler Connoley):
In today’s text, we have two different groups of people: The disciples in Ephesus are eager to follow Christ, and are following Christian teachings to the best of their ability. They simply haven’t heard about one key part of the Gospel message, and once they hear about the Holy Spirit and the baptism of the Spirit, they embrace this new understanding with enthusiasm. The people in the Synagogue, on the other hand, are described as stubborn, and speak evil of the disciples and of Paul.
As I read this text, I wonder which group I fall into. Am I following all of Christ’s teachings to the best of my ability, and to the best of my knowledge? When God reveals something new to me, am I enthusiastic in my desire to embrace it? Or am I stubbornly holding on to old ideas, unwilling to accept the new things God wants me to know?
I also wonder about my reaction to those who have not embraced Christ’s radical message. Would I be willing to stand up and argue for what I believe is true every day for three solid months? Am I willing to bring the truth in love relentlessly? Also, when standing up for the Gospel, do I have the wisdom to know when it’s time to leave the stubborn synagogue and focus on those who do believe?
Thought for the day: God, help me to embrace the new things you want to teach me. Help me to be patient with those who still don’t understand. And help me to have the wisdom to leave the synagogue when the time comes.
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.