After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and urging them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:43)
What causes a student to stay after class to talk to the teacher on their own volition? What motivates a child to stay in the parking lot in hopes of getting an autograph from their favorite sports idol? What drives a dating couple to spend hours talking to each other about everything under the sun? In some form or another, all of these examples showcase a desire to spend more of a person’s time because of an interest or love of something of particular value.
In today’s reading in Acts 13, Jews and Gentiles were hungering for more of God’s teachings. They wanted to hear more of what they were teaching the following Sabbath day. There were even some that decided to be groupies of Paul and Barnabas. Both of these men took extra time to speak with them and to urge them all to continue in growing in the grace of God. Side note: are we investing more time with those around us who are hungering for God’s word?
Why was it so important for Paul and Barnabas to urge these believers to continue in the grace of God? First of all, it can be implied that these folks had already started to trust in the grace of God. Continuing in God’s grace is just as important as beginning in God’s grace. We must never leave God’s grace as only the basic principle of our relationship with God. There are some Christians who think of God’s grace only as the introduction to the Christian life. Yet God wants grace to remain as the foundation for our relationship to flourish with Him. I love that Harbor Church emphasizes growing in God’s continuing grace. Our community groups, ministries, and leadership meetings always start with sharing evidences of God’s grace in our lives. Have you taken time this week to see God’s grace in your life? Take moments in your day today to thank God for His abundant grace and take the steps to grow and trust more in God’s goodness over your life.