Scripture: Acts 15:1-2
Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders.
Thought for the Day: It is thought that the Council of Jerusalem met in 50 AD, a gathering to decide whether Gentile converts to Christianity were not obligated to keep the Torah, the religious rituals and laws found in the first five books of the Bible (ritual law that had defined Judaism for centuries). This would include the requirement of male circumcision. This was the meeting where the Apostle Paul met with many of the original followers of Jesus, including Peter and James. From what we have in Acts, Galatians and other tellings of this event, there was a lot of debate and disagreement. And though the decision was made to welcome Gentile converts without them following most of the Jewish laws, the Council of Jerusalem upheld a majority of the dietary laws, and of course, laws around idolatry and sexual immorality. This must have felt like a victory for Paul, yet I’m sure there was compromise that is not apparent in the scriptures. As you read in the opening verses of chapter 15, the discord was nothing new. And you know there were many who left that Council saying to themselves and anyone who would listen, “The Council’s decision was wrong!” Now some of us might agree, to some extend, that they Council was wrong. Most of you who are reading this devotional have broken the dietary laws that the Council in Jerusalem maintained for all followers of Jesus. The sexual immorality referenced in the passage didn’t have any problem with 12 year old girls being married to 18 or 19 year old men. And it is funny that fifty years ago, 90% of those who were Christian in this country had their infant boys circumcised. Christianity has never found it easy to navigate the path of faithfulness, and at times, it has failed miserably even as it did what it thought scripture was suggesting. At the end of the day, what does it mean to receive, enjoy and share God’s grace. For Paul, that’s what concerned him the most… yet like so often occurs, passionate people get drug into arguments that distract all involved from what is essential.
Prayer: What would you have me do, O Lord? Amidst all the different viewpoints and debating, may I continue to love you with all my heart, soul and mind. And of course, love my neighbor as I love myself. That is a daunting task, and at times, it seems like arguing over the nonessentials might be easier. Keep me to the task at hand. Amen.
GARAGE SALE ON SATURDAY
8am – 1pm
LSU ALUMNI CHOIR
Singing at the 11:00 Service
Concert at 3:00pm
