Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Nourishing Theological Reflections from Experiences                

Bible Portion :Acts 28:23-28
Key Verse 
“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will
listen!” -Acts 28:28

Devotion
After Paul’s conversion, he was all set to spread the gospel everywhere he went. In the beginning
of Acts 28, we see Paul arriving miraculously on the island of Malta after being in a shipwreck.
Though the ship was wrecked, he was able to save the people on the ship. Later, he also became
a source of healing and salvation for many on that island. His strong faith in Jesus helped the
land to believe in Jesus. After Malta, he set sail to Rome where he was received with a lot of
love. There were many who wanted to know about Jesus. Nevertheless, there were some Jews in
the city who would not accept what Paul said. They disagreed among themselves and with Paul
and left from where Paul was speaking. That’s when Paul said that Gods salvation had been sent
to the Gentiles and that they would listen, unlike the Jews who considered themselves the chosen
people of God but wouldn’t listen.
Meeting stubborn people, who are unwilling to accept Christ or oppose those who believe in
Christ can be a frustrating experience. Being in this ministry, many a times we had to encounter
situations like this. At times, being human, we might get frustrated thinking, “Why God? Why
are these people so rigid to accept you?” But this passage gives us an insight that salvation and
acceptance of the gospel is a response of human beings to the grace that God extends to them.
Many may decline Jesus in their lives and oppose gospel workers. Yet, God has given us a
mandate to keep working for His kingdom, be his witnesses and share the gospel. We are not to
be discouraged by opposition or negativity to Christ. Rather, we have to trust that God has
prepared some people to be impacted by our witness and at the right time it will yield its fruit. So
lets be faithful in bearing witness for Christ.
 
PRAYER
Father, thank you for everything you do for us. Help us to bear witness faithfully for you, so that
we can influence people for you. Amen.
 
Thought for the Day 
 
No matter what the outcome, let us spread Gods Word and love.
 
Mrs Betsy Chacko (Kochamma)
St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church, Delhi.

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