Hard hearts block Good News
Scripture reading for June 12: Acts 28
“When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning to 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. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your father through Isaiah the Prophet: “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull and with their ears they can barely hear, because their eyes they have closed; let they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'” Acts 28:23-27 (Isaiah 6:9-10)
Paul was in Rome, having survived the long and interrupted boat trip. He was a prisoner under Roman guard, but free to visit with fellow believers and Jews. As a Jew, Paul always wanted to offer Jesus to them first. He called together the leaders of the Jews in Rome, explaining how he got there and scheduling a time to meet with them. On that day, Paul expounded to them Jesus, the kingdom of God, and the Gospel message. Some believed but others disbelieved. There was conflict with them concerning Paul and his Good News.
Paul closed the meeting with truth from the Prophet Isaiah and applying that Word to the Jews who refused to believe. They heard but didn’t hear. They saw, but refused to see. They had stopped up their ears and closed their eyes on purpose, not responding in faith but rejecting truth. Because of this, God could not heal them and set them free. Paul was now free to preach to the Gentiles in Rome. God had sent him there and provided each opportunity, although in custody and a prisoner!
Have you ever suffered with a hard heart that refused to listen to God’s Word or see God at work? Why are religious people often the hardest to reach with God’s Good News? Why do you think Paul was so direct in using Scripture to confront the Jews, knowing it would cause anger against him?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this record of Paul faithfully preaching the Good News to Jews and Gentiles. Give me wisdom and boldness to preach Your Word as led by the Holy Spirit to break through hard hearts and stopped ears. Help me to leave results up to You and pray for those not believing. Amen.
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