Scripture
16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; 18 for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; 19 and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years.
“After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.
Reflection
Paul begins to speak in the local synagogue, the place where Jewish people would gather every week; this would be Paul’s practice in city after city. He begins his talk with appealing to the national pride of the Jewish people, it really was (is) an amazing story. Another way to say, “He endured their conduct in the wilderness” is, “He carried them in the desert as a father his children” I have literally carried my children on long hot days, love won’t let you do anything else (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God’s character?
- 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.
