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PAUL: APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
Acts 9:15-16

Galatians 2:7

 

“…the gospel of the uncircumcision

was committed unto me…”

 

PAUL: APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES
 
Probably the most influential in the New Testament church is the Apostle Paul. He was entrusted with the sacred mission of evangelising the Gentiles. The Lord Himself ordained him as the Apostle to the uncircumcision. What an extraordinary favour from the Almighty God: to extend His loving arms of salvation toward us, undeserving Gentiles.
 
To many Jews of Paul’s time, Gentiles were seen as fuel for hell, unworthy of the Lord’s favour. The heathens were destined for eternal torment, or so they believed. Indeed, our sins against God make us deserving of judgment. There is nothing within us that makes us worthy of His grace. As Gentiles, we are idolaters, worshipping false gods instead of the One Living and True God. Left to ourselves, we will never seek the God of Israel. There is no hope for us, for how can a Just and Righteous God overlook our wretchedness?
 
But the mercies of God are greater than our sin! In His perfect justice, He sent His only begotten Son into the world to live a flawless life and offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Through Christ, salvation was extended not only to the Jews (God’s chosen people) from the beginning, but also to Gentiles like us. This is the great mystery Paul revealed: we who were once outsiders are now welcomed into God’s family. We who were strangers and aliens have been made citizens of His Kingdom. We who were wild branches have been grafted into the chosen tree. What amazing love from the Father!
 
Now that we have been included, let us not be proud. We have no merit to claim, no goodness to boast of, no reason to think we deserve His favour. Instead, let us be thankful. With hearts full of gratitude, let us praise and honour Him. Let us serve Him faithfully! He has given us the privilege of belonging to His Kingdom when we had no hope. He spared us from eternal anguish and suffering in hell. Let us never forget that we stand only by His perfect righteousness.
 
THOUGHT: Am I truly thankful for the salvation I have received?
PRAYER: Father, help me never to forget the great favour Thou hast extended to me. Though unworthy, Thou hast made me part of Thy Kingdom.

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