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Daily eMail Devotional
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Galatians 2:1-10 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.It is kind of funny how some Christians react when they meet someone we would consider famous or perhaps a hero of the faith. Maybe it could be some big church pastor, a popular evangelist, a missionary whose work is well spoken of, or just someone who is considered a hero of the faith for whatever reason. We get extra excited, we make sure we are on our best manners; we’ll make sure they have a nice seat in church if they are visiting, and we’ll go out of our way to make them feel extra special. We look at people like them and think to ourselves, “I wish I could have the same walk with God as they have.” Then when we go and meet them we are super nervous but come to find out after shaking their hand and talking with them many of them are just like any other person.
Here in our passage we find Paul and Barnabas in front of Peter, James, and John. Could you imagine being in front of those three guys! You would look at them and simply be in awe. I mean these guys lived and worked with Christ Himself. These guys were some of the original apostles. Verse 9 describes these men as the pillars of the church. If I were in Paul or Barnabas sandals or slippers here in Hawaii I would have to admit I would be pretty intimidated but Paul says in verse 9, “they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship.” What Peter, James, and John gave to Paul and Barnabas that day by was their confidence, their fellowship, and their friendship. I bet Paul and Barnabas walked away that day feeling pretty good after fellowshipping with them and feeling accepted by them.
My prayer for our church is that when people walk into our doors that we too would give the right hands of fellowship. That when people walk through the doors of our church that they feel the acceptance and the friendship given by us. Who by you recently has felt loved and felt wanted in our church. Who have you been giving the right hands of fellowship to lately?
Love you all!!!
Pastor Mike
Don't Forget -
