Acts 24:14 “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.”
Observation: Paul affirmed here, as Jesus Himself had earlier affirmed, that being a Christian does not supplant the Old Testament law and all that God laid down for His people to follow.
Application: The Law’s requirements are foundational and are also predictive of the redemption Jesus provided on the Cross. The essential problem was that on their own, no person could fulfill the Law, without which only death could result. To confirm the Law’s importance, Paul pointed out that just twelve days earlier he had gone to the synagogue, continuing to observe as a follower of Christ the principles laid down many generations earlier.
God chose the Jews for special roles in the world—to live in ways and according to values that would show a watching world the way to salvation. That only intensified and clarified with the coming of Jesus, but nothing about my belief in Him and His new covenant releases me from the need to support and pray for the nation of Israel nor to honor the precepts by which God commanded His followers to live.
God chose us—each of us who accepts the sacrifice of His son—and He chose the Jews. Together we are a spiritual nation, owing allegiance to our heavenly Father.
Prayer: Remind me daily, Lord, what it is to follow You in all areas of life. Keep my heart softened toward Your chosen people; remind me to pray for the land You have said is holy, and for the peace of Jerusalem.
Yes, a spiritual nation whose true citizenship is in heaven.
Posted by: JR Rohrman | February 12, 2011 at 09:13 AM