August 22
Bible Reading: Acts 13:13-25
Acts 13:15-16, “After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, ‘Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.’ So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said…”
Imagine yourself as a member of that synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. Week after week, in faithful observance of the Sabbath, you gathered with others to attend the service. And week after week, the service followed a familiar pattern, centered on the Law, the Prophets, and the promises of old. But everything changed when Barnabas and Paul arrived.
The synagogue service typically began with the Shema, the Jewish declaration of faith, followed by a corporate prayer. Then came the reading of the portion of the Law and the Prophets, followed by a brief message usually based on one of the recited Scriptures. If there was a distinguished guest present, the rulers of the synagogue might invite him to speak before the closing blessing. That’s exactly what happened with Paul.
The synagogue rulers asked Paul for a “word of encouragement.” And no one could offer greater encouragement than what Paul shared that day: “God’s promised Messiah has come. We bring to you this message of salvation. They put Jesus to death, but God raised Him from the dead. Our message is one of forgiveness of your sins through faith in Jesus!”
In that moment, the good news burst forth like a glorious sunrise, casting its light upon Pisidian Antioch. Week after week, you had gathered to hear from the Law, but now, this word of encouragement revealed how God had provided a way apart from the Law—through Jesus—by which a person could be completely set free from sin (Acts 13:39).
That day in Pisidian, sin captives were set free. The same word of encouragement that liberated them has continued to work its power countless times since then. Remember how it first came to you, and how you rejoiced to hear? Thank God for the good news and let it once again encourage your heart.
There’s no greater word of encouragement than the good news of salvation in Jesus!
WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE
Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.
Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven. [Refrain]
Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify forever. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 