Slices
Prepare
Bring to mind something you are waiting on God for. Offer him your feelings about it.
Bible passage
In Pisidian Antioch
13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, ‘Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.’
16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: ‘Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; 18 for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; 19 and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years.
‘After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled for forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.”
23 ‘From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Saviour Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: “Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
Explore
One man down by the time they reach Pisidian Antioch (v 13), Paul and Barnabas continue their pattern of starting their ministry in the Jewish synagogue (v 14). The custom of inviting a visiting rabbi to speak gives a natural opportunity, and Paul’s message is an example of their approach among Jews and Jewish proselytes (v 16).
Speaking into a centuries-old longing for God to send his promised saviour and enable his chosen people to fulfil their purpose, Paul surveys and summarises Israel’s history. His focus is on God’s powerful, patient and progressive provision of land and then leaders for his people, culminating in an obedient king ‘after my own heart’ (v 22) – one who can show more clearly what they are waiting for. Against this familiar backdrop, Paul introduces Jesus: fulfilment of their treasured hope, the coming one whom everything else (including John the Baptist) prepared for and pointed to. What they have longed for is here.
Why did – why does – God wait so long to fulfil his promises? When the seeming slowness of his work disappoints our desires, it can leave us wrestling with his timing. But even when we don’t see or understand it, God is moving, always at work to realise his long-patient purposes (see 2 Peter 3:9).
Respond
Think of a friend who doesn’t yet know Jesus. What is their deepest longing? How might God be preparing them for its fulfilment? What pointers might they recognise? Pray for them.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Leviticus 25,26; Psalm 25
Pray for Scripture Union
Praise God that, after two years, St Mary’s finally has a new rector with a young family. Ask God to bless and guide him as he helps Fiona to develop this work. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
