Kerry And Chris Shook: Be The Message DevotionalSample

"BE OPEN" On Paul’s first preaching trip to Ephesus, he was rejected by the synagogue for his dangerous ideas about the Messiah, and he set up shop at a lecture hall, where his message attracted both Jews and Gentiles. This was groundbreaking. Jews had been taught not to associate with heathen Gentiles, who often responded badly to that attitude. Now they were worshiping together? How would that work? Paul describes a building under construction. It’s the church, and the building blocks are people. Jews and Gentiles support each other in this construction. The cornerstone, of course, is Jesus, flanked by the teaching of ancient prophets and modern apostles. Sociologists tell us that people naturally group with others who are just like them. Some local churches seem to reflect that principle. But while that may be a natural tendency, we must never forget that God’s church is supernatural. He brings people together from different races, languages, cultures, and religious backgrounds. We put up walls even when we don’t intend to. We avoid certain communities, certain groups, certain people. It’s not that they’re bad; they’re just different. We feel uncomfortable around them. It’s easier to hang out with people who understand us, who share our priorities and culture. Nothing wrong with that, is there? Maybe we should consider how Jesus lived. He was a rabbi who feasted with prostitutes and tax collectors. He traveled through Samaria rather than bypassing it, as many other Jews did. He touched lepers. And, as Paul put it, Jesus “destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility”. Jesus broke down social walls in order to build a new structure. What walls need to come crashing down in your heart? Quiet your heart and listen for the Lord’s guidance. Whatever you do needs to be prompted by God. Let Him bring to mind some group of people you have avoided, rejected, or suspected. It could be a language or cultural group, a race or nationality, those of a particular religious background, or even an age or gender—any group of people you have a walled off from your concern. How does the Lord feel about the way you have treated these people? More important, what does He want you to do now? Is there a way to make contact, to start dismantling the wall? Listen. God will give you an idea. Make it a matter of continual prayer—and action.