Acts 13:16-41

 Acts 13:16-41

Paul’s first recorded sermon begins with the retelling of the history of Israel. Paul’s comments would not have been news to the audience as far as the history of Israel was concerned. What was new was Paul’s explaining the “why” of the history, “and when they had carried out all that was written concerning Him” vs. 29. The focal point of the history of Israel, of the Old Testament, and of all of history for that matter, is what happened on the cross. 

This explains a lot. It explains the ongoing existence of the Jewish people. It explains why God put up with them. It explains the family tree of Jesus and the rise of kings in ancient Israel. It explains the formation of the Old Testament writings, the dispersal of the people, and the rise of the synagogues. All of history was preparing for the coming life, death, resurrection, and proclamation of Christ. Christ in fact accomplished what the Law of Moses could never accomplish.

We can’t sit in judgment of Christ; rather, we are judged by our response or reaction to Him and His resurrection. Yes, it is almost beyond belief that the God of the universe would become a human. Would die for us, come to life again, and offer us salvation; this is hard to believe. So some rejected and scoffed at it. It may seem too good to be true, so some choose to reject it. Perhaps it fails their pseudo-intellectual test, and so they hold on to their unbelief. It may violate their pride, and they want nothing to do with any belief system that requires them to admit they were wrong and powerless. It may pose a threat to their control and authority, and so they attempt to shout it down. Rejection of the gospel message is a real possibility that grows from various motives. Nevertheless, the message stays the same and will forever be the center of God’s dealings with man. We will one day discover the reason is the cross, and the judgment is our response to that cross.

 "Lord, keep me focused on the Cross. AMEN"