Nov 20 Celebrating the Faith of Jesus in Us!
The Faith of Jesus in us is for the sake of others!
A Verse to Remember: He kept on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27b.
Gospel Story: Acts 2:36-47 The promise is for you, your children, your children’s children and this who … are far off….
Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 11:20-32 20 It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings for the future to his sons, Jacob and Esau. 21 It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff.22 It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.23 It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. 27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. 28 It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.29 It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.30 It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.
Reflection:
You can’t read this litany of faith and not pick up on the fact our faith in God is to be used of God to bless the lives of others. My nana and grampa did that for me. My mom and dad did that for me. My mentor’s in the faith have done that for me. For years Selah Fire Friends and family too, their faith has blessed me too. My prayer is that the faith of Jesus that lives in me will likewise become a blessing for others. That my faith in Christ will become more about others than it is about me.
Meditate on these words from Acts 2:
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[h]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” …41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[i]), and to prayer.43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[j]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Perhaps you too will join me in prayer? ….. “Father, may the faith of Jesus in me overflow to become a blessing to others”….