Scripture: Acts 13:26-41
26 “Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
32 “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
“‘You are my son;
today I have become your father.’
34 God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said,
“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’
35 So it is also stated elsewhere:
“‘You will not let your holy one see decay.’
36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.
38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41 “‘Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe,
even if someone told you.’” (NIV)
Observation:
Paul recounts how Jesus faced actions by the Jewish leaders that, though carried out in ignorance, ultimately fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah. After Jesus’ death, God raised him up, also in accordance with the Scriptures. Despite people’s lack of understanding and opposition, God’s plans always prevail.
Application:
Paul, who had once opposed Jesus and His followers, didn’t realize that Jesus was the way, the truth, and the life. After his Damascus road experience where he encountered the Risen Christ, Paul became a new creation in Christ. His personal transformation helped him understand how someone could oppose God while believing they are serving Him.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, reflecting on the apostle Paul and how he once opposed the Gospel of Jesus Christ reminds us that we too might unknowingly stand against Your plans. Guide us, as Your people, to align with the plans You have for us. Help us remain faithful to Your Word and Your purposes. Amen.