Scripture
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.’”
Reflection
It is hard for Jewish people in particular, then and now, to accept that God was at work in Jesus because of the way he died. For them, no respectable servant of God would die such a shameful and cursed death. If Paul could show that Jesus was the promised Messiah, that he fulfilled every ancient prophecy concerning the Messiah, then maybe the cross itself could be understood in light of the fact that it was the Messiah who died this way. It was a “stretch” but then again faith and wonder are like that (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- How is God stretching your faith lately?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for the spiritually lost among the global community in Shanghai; pray that they will be drawn to God by the Holy Spirit.
