God's Way!

For Tuesday, November 28, 2023:

Romans 15:31a NLT, Paul speaking: “Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God.”

From God’s point of view, there are only two groups: Those who are with him, and those who are against him. Mankind can have little disagreements about minor matters. But when it comes to God, you’re either in or out.

Paul experienced a personal call from Jesus on the road to Damascus, so he was “in.” Those who couldn’t go along with what Paul had learned were “out,” and Paul was praying for personal safety as he traveled throughout the region. This disagreement continues to this day, playing out in the Middle East, but it goes back to Genesis.

Abraham fathered two sons. The first, Ishmael, was from his wife’s servant Hagar. This is what happened when Abraham and Sarah lost faith in God’s timetable. Impatient, they took matters into their own hands, and the results weren’t pretty. Ishmael is thought of as the father of all Arab nations, including followers of Islam. Abraham’s second son, Isaac, was born from his wife Sarah. That was God’s original plan. Isaac followed his Jewish ancestors, which eventually led to Jesus and Christianity. If it’s not God’s way, it’s the wrong way!

These two groups have never gotten along, each believing that they’re right, each believing that they’re doing the Lord’s work, and it’s playing out right now in the conflict between Gaza and Israel. Like Paul, we should pray for personal safety. The war could rapidly escalate. We should pray for peace. Too many little children, babies and everyday people who want no part of the conflict have died. We know this matter will be settled when Jesus returns, so we can pray, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!”

Have a safe and blessed day!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship