“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.“
Titus 2:11-14

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JANUARY 17, 2025

It’s hard for me to delegate, or to hire out for projects, especially when the end product is important. What if they don’t do it right? What if they are painfully slow? What if they make me look bad since it’s my project?

No “project” results matter more than bringing the message of grace and salvation to the world. Our Project Manager Jesus has no need to delegate and could do it all better Himself. Yet over and over, God not only allows but commands His flawed people to participate in bringing the message to others. That’s pretty wild when you think about it!

God knew that Peter still had some blind spots (addressed in Acts 10) when He sent Peter to the area of Joppa, but God was willing to delegate anyway! How patient God is with His children! While imperfect, Peter has been growing steadily in his understanding of the Gospel and in his trust in and reliance upon the Holy Spirit.

The one who impulsively cut off an ear, denied Christ, and ran away from the crucifixion grew into a bold preacher at Pentecost.

The preacher at Pentecost grew willing to leave the towns with familiar traditions to visit Christians in Joppa, raise the dead, and associate closely with an outcast tanner.

Peter is on his way to an understanding that would bring him into alignment with Paul’s words to Titus above—the grace of God has appeared, that offers salvation to everyone.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Do you doubt that certain people can be used by God?
  • Do you doubt that God can use you?
  • Are you teachable, ready to grow in your own understanding of grace?

 

Church Reading Plan:

  • Today, January 17: Genesis 18; Matthew 17
  • Saturday, January 18: Genesis 19; Matthew 18
  • Sunday, January 19: Genesis 20; Matthew 19