The Unworthy! (1 of 3)

Sometimes we see confusion in the world with regard to making distinctions between the worthy and the unworthy. This is an area of discernment in which we need to exercise caution. There are times when the difficulty is related to an improper perspective of self and what is being offered. Such was the case with Jews Paul and Barnabas encountered in Antioch of Pisidia. There in the synagogue Paul was invited to share a word of exhortation. ( Acts 13:15) Following his sharing of the Gospel of Jesus the people begged to hear the message again on the next Sabbath. ( Acts 13:42) On the following Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the message. ( Acts 13:44) However, this caused many of the Jews to become jealous when they saw the crowds and they tried to contradict what Paul was proclaiming. ( Acts 13:45)

As Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly, note their response to those who rejected the message.
“And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and JUDGE YOURSELVES UNWORTHY OF ETERNAL LIFE, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.” ( Acts 13:46 ESV)

Unworthy of ETERNAL LIFE? There is a sense in which we are all unworthy to receive ETERNAL LIFE. We don’t deserve it. It was our sins that put Jesus on the cross where He tasted the death ( Hebrews 2:9) we deserve. Nevertheless, because of the grace and mercy of God, the worthy One came and provided the means for our salvation and ETERNAL LIFE.

Writing to the church at Ephesus, Paul exhorted…
“(1) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE CALLING to which you have been called, (2) WITH ALL HUMILITY and GENTLENESS, with PATIENCE, bearing with one another in LOVE, (3) EAGER TO MAINTAIN THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT in the bond of peace.” ( Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)

The unbelievers encountered by Paul and Barnabas were ready to throw away the opportunity to receive the gift of life ( Romans 6:23) Jesus came to provide. They would not accept it for themselves. Though we are in fact not worthy of such a hope, let us be eager to accept the ETERNAL LIFE God is so willing to graciously provide and then aim to live worthy of the calling we have received.

Have a great day RIGHTFULLY ACCEPTING GOD’S GRACIOUS HOPE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Worthiness