“When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.” Acts 13:43.
Many people from the synagogue were touched by Paul’s words and wanted to hear more. After the meeting was over, Paul and Barnabas met with the people telling them more about Jesus and urging them to “continue in the grace of God.” These people heard about Jesus’ suffering and dying, as well as His resurrection. They fully understood the pain and shame of crucifixion and understood that this is what Jesus endured for them. Paul recognized that the grace of God was already coming upon these people because their hearts were open to hear about Jesus and their lives were already being transformed. Their eyes were opening to the movement of God in their lives.
I remember hearing about Jesus when I was younger, but it wasn’t until I was 20 years old that my own heart was warmed by the Spirit of God and I began to see Jesus for who He was and for what He had done for me. It was my first experience of the grace of God in my life. Through the years, I have noticed that, while God is always with me, there are times when it seems that He is more present – more in the moment with me. Sometimes this occurs during times of deep struggle or pain, and His grace helps me to get through.
Questions to consider: How is the grace of God evident or active in your life? When are you most aware of God’s grace in your life? Are you aware of God’s grace in the midst of your suffering?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your grace. Please help me to continue in Your grace and to live a life of gratitude for Your grace in my life. Amen.
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