Devotion

Salvation for All

Frances Taylor

We tend to think of Paul always on the move, but here we see that Paul is staying in Rome for two years teaching and preaching to all who come to him. At this time, the Jews were still unconvinced that salvation was for any group other than themselves. Even those who had accepted Jesus as the Messiah weren't sure about the Gentiles. It was Paul's task in Rome to convince then that God wanted all to be saved. We can be just as hard to convince that salvation is for everyone. In some cities, men and women go out to bars or to the streets to bring the message of the kingdom to the people there. Some people are offended by this type of outreach. But where do they think Jesus went when he was on earth? Of course, he preached in the synagogues and taught in the temple, but he also connected with the outcasts, the sinners, the tax collectors. The leaders of the time, the Pharisees, were always complaining about the people Jesus associated himself with. We, too, can become self-righteous and attempt to limit those who would go into today's highways and byways. One of the most powerful ministries is that to prisoners, especially those who are in for life. Perhaps our objection is the fact that they just might accept Jesus and desire to learn more about him and his promises. Maybe, we don't want them to be forgiven.

Prayer 

Lord, we ask you to free us from judging your children. We forget that you don't want to lose any of your children and we are not to get in your way. Amen.