Reflecting on Acts 3:11-26“The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.” (Acts 3:13)
Peter is connecting the healing of this man to Jesus and to the God of Israel.
This raises the question as to why God chooses to work through Israel.
The ancient nation of Israel was not chosen because they were better or stronger.
“The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.” (Deuteronomy 7:7)
Nor did God choose Israel to be more privileged or special than other people.
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)
Jesus works like this too: He chooses the the weak and insignificant as His disciples.
And He blesses them to be a blessing to all people from every nation and religion.
Jesus is glorified – backed by God’s love and power – because He follows God’s way.
The OT Story of Israel is how God begins His plan of salvation.
Jesus is not just Saviour and Lord for a select few; He is for all people, all nations!
As Jesus followers, we need to stop restricting grace to those in our ‘in group’.
It is not just the Jews, or the Christians, that Jesus wants us to bless; it is all people!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You became a Jew, a son of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in order to fulfill God's mission and purpose of blessing all people on earth. Use me to bless all people too, not just the ones that belong to my 'group'.