Daily Scripture Assignment – Lev 25; Psa 25-26; Acts 22

Cathy StonecipherScripture – “And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today.” - Acts 22:2-3 (NAS)

Observation – Paul returned from his latest missionary journey and gave his report to the church in Jerusalem. James, then leader of the church, and the other elders, rejoiced with Paul and told him that many in Jerusalem have also decided to follow Christ. They then request that Paul pay for four Jewish Christians to complete their Nazarite vows (a vow they made to God, and they don’t cut their hair until the vow is fulfilled). They felt this would help to dispel rumors that Paul had turned his back on the law of Moses (because Paul was preaching that circumcision was not necessary, along with some other Jewish customs). So Paul went through the seven-day purification, and near the end he was seen in the temple by people who assumed he brought a non-Jew into the temple with him, which was strictly forbidden under Jewish law. They started a riot that attracted the attention of the Romans, who carried Paul away for his own protection from the mob. Paul then requested that the Roman commander allow him to address the people, which he did, with mixed results.

Application – I found it interesting that when Paul asks the Roman commander if he can speak with him, the Roman seems surprised that Paul is addressing him in Greek. For some reason, he had assumed Paul was a notorious Egyptian (I wonder if it’s because Paul walked like one ;). Then, Paul addresses the Jewish mob, speaking to them in Hebrew, their native language; it grabs their attention and makes them willing to listen.

I heard something interesting on the radio this week about a grade school principal making it strictly against the rules for any employee to speak any language but English. When a secretary in the office spoke in Spanish to some parents who only spoke Spanish, she was fired. I realize there are political issues here with immigration, etc., but how else do you communicate unless you speak the other person’s language? Especially when dealing with parents and their child’s education?

The main thought that came to me from this scripture is that it is so important when talking to someone about Jesus that we speak their language. Whether we’re talking with someone who has not yet decided to accept Christ or a new Christian, we need to do a lot of listening, and we need to be relevant. We may have been raised in church or have a long history of running from God, but we need to be more interested in the other person than what we think they need to hear, and begin where they are. Sometimes I might think I know where someone is coming from, and then I listen a little more and realize I am totally wrong. So perhaps my experiences cannot help them, but my God can, so I can pray for them. I’m so glad that God knows where each of us is in our walk with Him, and that He meets us where we are and helps us get where we need to be.

Prayer – Father, thank You that You are with me where I am, but You are also helping me get where I need to be. Help me to be a better listener – to You and to others. Thank You so much for all the times You speak to me.