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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 17, we read of Silas and Paul arriving in Thessalonica, and they look for the synagogue. They looked for the place of prayer. They looked for that setting where people at least had a belief in God. "As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue."
This man has had bad experiences among the Jews, and with the Jews, but still he realises that this is where he is to begin. Paul does not permit the past to colour his present, and like His Saviour, Jesus Christ, Paul goes back to the synagogue.
Do not allow anything from your past limit your service for Jesus Christ. If something has to be dealt with, have it dealt with, and then get on with you ministry.
On the Sabbath day it was the custom of Jesus to go and worship in the synagogue at Nazareth.
When we belong to Jesus - when we are born again - converted - anointed with the Holy Spirit - there is that desire - that longing - to worship the Living God - to praise and pray and hear His Holy Word - and to meet together in fellowship with the people who belong to Jesus.
This is one of the signs to the world that we are disciples of Jesus Christ. When we are found faithful in fellowship - among the people of God, and with the people of God - we remind the people of God.
The apostles were certainly a sign of the presence of God in Chapter 16. Lydia, the girl with the python spirit - the pimps who had their income curtailed - and then the jailer and his family - all these people were reminded of God in different ways. Paul and Silas had marks on their backs, and news of the baptisms would soon get out. God was certainly at work in the city of Philippi.
We are dealing with facts in these Chapters. These are actual events and incidents and happenings. These are real people and it is all of this so very vivid.
In what ways are we signs to our communities? How do we remind people that there is a God? Are we real and for real, or do people consider us as hypocrites - rather good actors? Remember, that is what the word 'hypocrite' means - it comes from the world of theatre where a man hid behind a mask. To consider and meditate upon the lessons and implications of Chapter 16 will always be immensely valuable.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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