Tribute to the mess: Acts 15
We are blessed to have the problems we have. But you can miss it. Miss the blessing.
The mess can feel more like madness than anything.
All beautiful things have mess in them.
Yes even in the storms along the way.
Argue. Fight.
Debate. Wrestle.
Life has struggle. The more life the messier. The move of God’s Spirit in Acts went beyond the walls of custom.
What do you do when God is saving the men who don’t hold your same convictions?
Issues arise. Been there??
Read with me three verses.
“But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.”
Acts 15:1-3
Unless you see it our way you can’t be saved. Sound fimilar? Graceless.
Paul and Barnabus get stirred up. The hard place of strong arguments. Solutions come forward, they look to council. And the problem, yields travel. The question sends them on their way and the glory in it- is Phoenicia and Samaria hear about massive Gentile conversions. The mess in one city yields joy in another.
When we are doing City Wide Worship we always think about the cause. The otherside of the work. The stone throw- where the joy will land.
The day before my mom died, Laura gave a word that landed well.
Thank you my children
You have been faithful
And cared for my daughter
To you all I give peace and joy.
Brother Drew’s song over her:
peace and joy
you’ll find it in a river
strength and life
you’ll find it in a river
Her words- we are so blessed.
Urge me to find the blessing in the mess.
The son of God suffered death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His. George MacDonald
A mess that leads to life. 2 Cor 4:12 …so death works in us, but life in you.
You are Christ’s stone’s throw. You are the joy in his death. So what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.
Friends and family live well.
Live the adventure and don’t mind the mess, there is joy in it.
Christ is the “how” in everything. Our journey is a gift to us. What incredible understanding we get from our mess. Not to mention the thrill of knowing His love through frailty. Amen and beautifully written, Charity. So good to see this message flowing through the world. Much Love to you.