Acts 17:1-15

Be still: Lord thank you that you are good, and that you are with us. May we know your presence afresh today, in deep and powerful ways. Amen

Read: Acts 17:1-15

As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. (v12)

Encounter: Jesus was radical — in how he lived, how he served and how he loved. While Jesus’ earthly ministry began with Israel, God’s plan had always been to rescue people from every nation. Through Jesus, the invitation is now extended to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Many in Jesus' day struggled to comprehend this. They expected the Messiah to come for Israel alone, but God’s heart had always been much bigger than that. Jesus, the Son of the Father came for the Gentiles, for the overlooked, the oppressed and the lost. The Greeks who come to faith in this passage are another sign that the gospel is for all people.

What a beautiful reminder of God’s grace! No culture, no background, no past and no mistake can place someone outside of his love. The invitation of Jesus is open to all who will receive him.

I’m encouraged today to remember that Jesus came to rescue everyone — to rescue you and me. Even when we don’t have it all together. He meets us where we are, offers us grace, and invites us into a new life with him.

Apply: Who do you know today who needs to know the love of Jesus? Who needs to know that God came for them? Pray for them, reach out to them — see just what God can do.

Devote: Thank you, God, that you are the God who is radically loving, and welcomes everyone who comes to you. Father God, may we run to you today, and live in confidence that we are saved and set free by you.