Open Hearts

Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, John however, left them and went back to Jerusalem. They continued their journey from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people, can you speak.
Then Paul stood up and motioned with his hand and said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God listen! Acts 13:13-16

Barnabas is not mentioned here but he was here as verse 43 states: after the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas.

Paul was the one who stood in the synagogue and spoke to the people, starting with the time of Israel's stay in Egypt right through to Jesus, unfolding scriptural references to Him. He was opening scripture to them and in the process opening hearts and minds to Jesus. The hearers had to connect Jesus to the promise in scripture to believe.

After speaking Paul was received well and invited back. He was followed by devout believers, not by those who doubted his word or preferred the way things were,

Last night I listened to Samuel Rodriguez preach on leaving the plough and taking up the mantle. He had a word for all of us who are faithfully plowing, sowing, working the field. Now is the time to walk in anointing. Amen! I accept that. Yes I can change and move with God.

Every word given under unction of the Holy Spirit can be received or rejected. An open heart receives the new, a closed, bitter heart rejects it. May I always be open to the Holy Spirit. Amen!

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