Paul the apostle has made it
clear that he is not intimidated by the positions of authority that
were held by the leadership in Jerusalem. In his defense of the
gospel of Jesus Christ he would not compromise no matter what
positions they held. He adds to his testimony about engaging them in
the second chapter of Galatians in verse six where we read:
But of these who seemed
to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it makes no matter to me: God
accepts no man's person:) for they who seemed [to be somewhat] in
conference added nothing to me:
If we
haven't fallen in love with Paul's attention to those in leadership,
when he states, “But of these who seemed to be somewhat,
(whatsoever they were, it makes no matter to me...)” we should
be very clear about the way he feels. Rank and file had no preference
for Paul, and when leaders were questioning his teachings toward the
Gentiles, he paid no mind to their status. They may have had some
type of reputation among those in the churches, but they did not have
status with him that prohibited him from sharing his ministry of the
gospel.
Paul
stated the reason why he felt this way, “(...God accepts no
man's person:)” God is not a respecter of persons. Peter
perceived this to be true in the book of Acts in chapter ten and
verses thirty four and thirty five where it is written:
Then Peter opened [his]
mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of
persons: But in every nation he that fears him, and works
righteousness, is accepted with him.
God
desires that every person have a relationship with Him, and through
the provision of His Son Jesus dying on the cross for our sins,
everyone may now know Him as Savior. Jesus promoted servanthood
rather than lordship, and even so, there are many who gain positions
of leadership who begin to think themselves better than others. Paul
said, “for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added
nothing to me.” At the first council of the church in Acts
chapter fifteen, there was nothing these leaders could say that
promoted or advanced Paul and his teaching in any way. Paul knew the
sense of awe that many had toward these leaders, but he did not. Paul
understood that only one person was to be regarded as better than
others, and that one person was God Himself.
What
about us? Do we have a tendency to think ourselves better than
others? Are we inclined, especially in positions of advancement among
people, to think that others should somehow cower down to our own
greatness? Do we tend to esteem others better than ourselves by
serving them, or do we esteem ourselves better and think they are
advanced by our presence? Do we have a tendency to be intimidated by
those with positions of authority to the point that we think of them
greater than God does? As we meditate upon Paul's words today, may we
all keep in mind that the reason anyone has any position at all with
God is because of His abundant grace, and with out God sending His
Son Jesus to die for our sins, everyone would perish and have no
positions at all.
Next
time will see the agreement that Paul made with the authorities, so
read ahead, and let us join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look for
the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to
Generation” in all major
bookstore
sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to
e-books, and find it
locally
at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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