Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Acts 13:26, “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.”
Background
I suppose if someone was compared to Rockefeller or Vanderbilt, we would understand that they were hugely successful in business and had amassed a great fortune which was then put on display in a variety of ways. Likewise, in music, to mention a singer or a band in the same context and scope as Elvis or the Beatles conveys a message that they possess talents and abilities that are virtually unequaled. Every field has its greats, those whose heads would belong on their version of Mount Rushmore.
We know that when Jesus walked the earth, Abraham and David were second to none for the Israelites. They were giants in holy scripture, had covenants made with them by God Himself, and helped make up the lineage from whom the promised Prophet, Priest, and King would come. But by Year Zero, being a son in the family of Abraham meant something a little different than it did originally. Because of the passage of time, years of apparent silence from God, oppression from foreign rulers, and simply because people are sinful people, the family of Abraham was not the united, cohesive band it was supposed to be. Unfortunately, one of the things that didn’t seem to help was the arrival on the scene of the Messiah that they had been waiting for.
Application
But eventually, there arose a group, some who might be referred to as those who feared God, who heard the call to repentance and a life lived in service and sacrifice to the resurrected Savior, Jesus. What was offered was salvation, which can be an empty word in today’s culture of hyperbole and instant access. But no less salvation is offered today, and no less is what we all need. It’s not help, or a chance, or one person’s way, no different from another.
It is the opposite of having the whole world and losing your soul. It is glorious restoration and forgiveness, two more words that carry little weight today. But it is the truest of relationships, a real family, and every person longs for nothing less. Brothers, sisters, those who fear God, and those who might not, Jesus gives life, wholeness, and the ability to be who you are meant to be, regardless of what you did or where you’re from. I point you to Him for the fulfillment of your heart.
Charge
As we seek Him today, let your journey take you beyond where you usually stop, and get closer to Jesus than you ordinarily do.
