7 September 2018 – Acts 26:6 (NIV)
Scripture
6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.
Reflection
Hundreds of years before Paul would stand in this court, God made a promise to the father of the Jewish people. He promised that He would make Abraham’s name great, and He did. Abraham is the spiritual father of three of the world’s major religions. He promised to make his family into a nation; Paul has drawn attention to this in his defense as well as a reference to the land God promised Abraham. Then Paul references another one of those promises; how God would bless the entire world through one of Abraham’s descendants. Paul is on trial because he believes that Jesus is the fulfillment to that particular promise- it is Jesus the descendant of Abraham, who has blessed the world with salvation and hope to all who would believe (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- 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
Think of someone you know who could use a little joy in their lives and pray for presence of the Lord to rest on them. “In His presence there is fullness of Joy” Psalm 16:11.