THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 8:5-8
“Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.” (Acts 8:5)
In Jesus’s time, there was a real animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
Each thought they were the true religion, and the other a heresy.
Jesus breaks down these barriers, and works and speaks with Samaritans.
And here we see the Spirit leading the first disciples to follow Jesus.
Jesus comes to break down the walls and barriers between us.
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian,
slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” (Colossians 3:11)
As Jesus followers, we need to break down the walls that divide us.
The Spirit sends us to everyone to share the love of Jesus.
We show people with our words and actions how God blesses all people.
But our message needs to be grace, not condemnation or judgment.
People are paying closing attention to what we say and do (8:6).
They can tell whether we are for or against them, loving or judging them.
May there be great joy among our neighbors as we share Jesus with them.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see people of other ‘groups’ as my brothers and sisters, and to share the love of Jesus with them in words and deeds of grace.
While herein Texas on assignment I have been to various churches – from a street church to a United Methodist and a cowboy church. Each have their own style of worship but proclaim the same Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There were divisions in Christ’s time of the worshipers and there are divisions even today among believers, yet the church can not save you but only Jesus Christ. Jesus is the answer and Him we must share. Proclaim that Good News to all we meet and greet.
We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward!—’tis our Lord’s command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!