Acts 13:16-25 (NRSV)
Leaders prior to Christ's coming
So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak:
"You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.' Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.'
"My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent.
Reflection
Here Paul begins to tell his story and our story of how Jesus has come into the lives of all in this world. Some will accept his coming and some will reject that Jesus is Savior. But this message is given to all people. This message is for all throughout all time. It's a message not only for the descendants of Abraham but for all who fear God. It's a message of salvation. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, write upon our hearts and move our tongues to graciously and lovingly declare you as our Savior and as Savior of all your people... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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