Daily Readings and Thought for November 12th. ‘WITH THEIR EARS THEY CAN BARELY HEAR’
Today we complete reading the book of Acts; Paul finally arrives in Rome and Luke’s record of his life ends by stating that he dwelt for two whole years in a lodging at his own expense, he “was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him” [v.6] Paul “called together the local leaders of the Jews” [v.17] and explained to them the circumstances that caused him to be brought as a prisoner to Rome though “I had done nothing against our people.”
These Jews respond saying, “we have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.” [v.21] They then say, “we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect (meaning the Christians) we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” [v.22]
Many Jews came “to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the prophets.” [v.23] This shows how the Old Testament is most valuable in teaching Christ’s message.
The hearers departed “disagreeing among themselves”[v.25] and Paul comments on God’s word through Isaiah, that those words “are right in saying to your fathers … This people’s heart has grown dull and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed.” [v.27]
The prophet’s words are equally true today – most do not want to hear or read. The Bible was the book that transformed the world when it was first printed and available for all to read, it was like the days in ancient Israel when David and Solomon inspired the people to serve God.
But today!! We can “barely hear” because of all the efforts to teach and believe that there is no God and all that exists sort of created itself, therefore we can live as we please. Let us make sure our ears can hear – and our eyes can read.
