TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness. Acts 17:11a
Read: Acts 17:11a
Listen: Acts 17
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Jesus-message caused a radical shift for Jews. Their entire lives revolved around their religious law. It directed their diet, relationships and how they spent their time. Accepting the Gospel required incredible openness. The way to God was no longer bound to obedience to the law and religious ritual, but faith in Jesus alone. The Bereans take this seriously. They do not fear change or loss of control. Instead, they dedicate their time to understand familiar Scriptures in the new light of Jesus. They were willing to reorient their lives around this new understanding.
The message of Jesus will disrupt our comfort. We will grow and change as we deepen our understanding of God’s work and his Word. We may recognize the error in long-held traditions and beliefs about God and his church. Perhaps our habits change for our media consumption and free time. We hold our plans with open hands and allow God to disturb our agenda for our careers, family, money and time.
As we open our lives to God’s movement, we will be open to whatever, wherever and whenever. May we be willing to declare as the Psalmist, “Show me your ways, Lord” (Psalm 25:4), and “Search me, God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
One way you can show your openness to God is by declaring your faith in Jesus through baptism. If you’ve never expressed your faith through baptism, sign up for an upcoming baptism service. If you’ve been baptized, ask God who you can encourage this week by sharing your faith journey.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
