Feeling Special
Was the plan always to include everyone, or did it change over time?
The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name. This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written, ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; from its ruins I will rebuild it, and I will set it up, so that all other peoples may seek the Lord even all the Gentiles over whom my name has been called. Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things known from long ago.’ Therefore I have reached the decision that we should not trouble those Gentiles who are turning to God, but we should write to them to abstain only from things polluted by idols and from fornication and from whatever has been strangled and from blood. For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues.” - Acts 15:12-21
Today's Gospel reading reminds me of the parable of the laborers in the field.
Those who came first worked the whole day, while those who came last only worked an hour, and yet all were paid for the whole day.
Those who had worked the longest felt as though they deserved more, since they had worked more, but God shows us that all are equally welcome and benefit equally, regardless of when we turn toward Him.
Paul and Barnabas let the crowd know that the signs and wonders that were performed were for them, the Gentiles, those who came late to the party. The chosen now included everyone, not just the Jews.
Should that have been a surprise? It was written in the Book of Amos.
After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.” (Amos 9:11–12)
But we like to think that we are special, don't we. God has a special place in His heart for us. We are the apple of His eye.
God can feel that way about all of us, can't He?
One of the toughest questions a parent could be asked is which is your favorite child?
Each is favorite in a different way. Each is special. There should be no competition for affection.
So, when it comes to the relationship we have with God, each of us is the one, and together we are all blessed.
It makes sense, therefore that we learn to treat one another as God treats us. Maybe then we can find a way to live with one another.
More to come...