2022_10_12 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- 2 Corinthians 13 & Acts 21
Full disclosure: I am tired of hearing so many people loudly, angrily, and belligerently promoting their rights. I do understand that there are times we should stand our ground on important issues, but all too often, the pursuit of personal rights is made at the expense of caring for and loving others.
This week in Acts 21, we see a great example of Paul being willing to sacrifice his rights for the sake of others. The situation for him in Jerusalem was tense. Some Jewish Christians (Jews who accepted Jesus but also held closely to their Jewish traditions) were upset that they heard Paul was teaching Gentile (non-Jew) believers that they didn’t need to follow Jewish rules. Paul did teach that, but he was never disrespectful of the Jews – he was a Jew himself! Understanding the animosity, Paul took a very humble approach to try and broker peace. When he arrived in Jerusalem, Paul met with the Church leaders and gave a report of all God was doing to reach Gentiles for Jesus. Then we read, “After hearing this, they praised God. And then they said, “You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all follow the law of Moses very seriously. But the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They’ve heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. What should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.” Acts 21:20–22 (NLT) A decision was made that Paul would join some others and participate in a temple ceremony that would show his understanding and respect for his Jewish brothers and sisters. Paul knew that God no longer required these things, but he was willing to go along with what they saw as important as a way to build a bridge of friendship and understanding. We see this in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, “Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.” Philippians 2:3-4 (Living Bible)
It isn’t easy to give up our rights and privileges. It can feel unfair, especially when (as in Paul’s case) we are misunderstood and mistreated as a result. But let’s remember that this is what Jesus did for us – He gave up His rights as the King and Creator to take on human life in order to rescue us. Following His lead is both our responsibility and great privilege.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor