Dear brothers and sisters, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Paul’s Words of Exhortation
Paul and his companion continued on their missionary journey. They arrived at Perga in Pamphylia. From Perga, they reached Antioch in Pisidia. They entered the synagogue on Sabbath, and the synagogue officials invited Paul to give words of exhortation for the people.
Paul, in his exhortation, took the people down memory lane. He reminded them that God is faithful, and He cares for them. Paul reminded the people that God chose their ancestors out of His abundant grace and love. He delivered them from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. After about four hundred and fifty years, He gave them the Land of Canaan as their inheritance after helping them destroy their enemies.
All these generous, amazing, and benevolent acts of God for the people were not because they were the most virtuous, wise, and righteous people. It is all a gratuitous act done out of God’s love. The Book of Deuteronomy states, “It was not because you are more numerous than all the peoples that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you; for you are really the smallest of all peoples. It was because the Lord loved you and because of his fidelity to the oath he had sworn to your ancestors that the Lord brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt” (Deut. 7:7-8).
Fulfilment of Promises
Paul’s central theme was to lead the people to understand and believe that the birth of Jesus Christ as a descendant of David was God’s ultimate fulfillment of His promise to David and the people of Israel. His primary focus was to lead them to believe that Jesus Christ is the savior, born of the tribe of Judah and the house of David. This is because the Scriptures – The writings, the Prophets, and the Psalms point toward Him and are fulfilled in Him as the Messiah and Savior.
Even though the Chief Priests, Elders, Scribes, and the Pharisees rejected Him and crucified Him, He is still the Messiah. Repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem (Lk. 24:47). John the Baptist heralded His coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance and showed Him to his disciples as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:36). John the Baptist said of Him, “I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.”
Lessons for Us
Paul’s synopsis is a vital lesson for us today as Christians. Sometimes, in our lives, it is essential to go down memory lane and reflect on our conversion or salvation stories. Reflect our faith and spiritual journeys, and special moments of divine interactions and encounters. These exercises will lead us to one fact: our God is always faithful. He loves and cares for us. He has gratuitously given us gifts of love, mercy, blessings, and favors, even when we do not deserve or merit them.
It is also important to ask, how strong is my faith in Jesus Christ as the savior of the world? Have I/we received Him into my/our lives? Do I/we have a relationship with Jesus Christ as my/our savior? Have I/we wholeheartedly welcomed Him and given Him a preeminent place in my/our families? Paul’s intention in his exhortation was to make us have faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior whom God sent to show His love for us. And who proved He loves us by His death on the cross and resurrection. He is the ever-present I AM for those who believe in Him.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!
