One of the most disturbing things I experienced during my years in ministry happened in a small country town. A cemetery stood near the church, and people living nearby began finding pieces of clothing clogging the pumps that brought water into their homes.
They soon realized the problem came from the old cemetery. The coffins and human remains had broken down over time and were getting into the water supply.
This experience shows a truth Paul preached to his listeners. Every human being falls apart and is corrupted. “Ashes to ashes and dust to dust” is true for everyone who has ever walked the earth, except one. That is the one Paul wanted to talk about.
“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption, but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption.” (Acts 13:36-37)
King David may have been the most famous Jewish leader of all time. Yet his fame and skill in battle could not keep his body from decaying after death. Only Jesus, through his resurrection from the dead, escaped the decay that comes with death.
This question of decay matters to us because it confirms that when God declares our sins forgiven through what Jesus has done, that forgiveness is real because of the resurrection.
“Let it be known to you therefore, brothers and sisters, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39)
Forgiveness of Sins
We live in a world where many people seem to believe like the famous book, I’m OK, You’re OK. As someone who wants to help people experience God’s love, I realize they first need to recognize their need for it.
One way I do this is by saying, “If the cross is God’s solution to our problem, then we truly have a problem.”
Many people believe in Christ’s cross. They wear crucifixes as jewelry or have cross tattoos on their arms. Yet they may not feel they need a personal relationship with the Savior. But if the cross is God’s answer to our problem, then we have a problem, and we need to turn to Him.
Paul’s listeners must have known they needed a Savior and forgiveness for their sins. Most likely, the Holy Spirit revealed that need to them.
The same is true today. We do not preach the speaker’s thoughts to the listener’s mind. The speaker is simply an instrument in God’s hands. God does the work and uses us. The Holy Spirit brings people to see their need, then shows them the beauty of the Savior.
As we read this part of Paul’s first missionary journey, let’s remember a few things. First, the Holy Spirit guided everything Paul and his companions did. The Spirit gave them power to speak, understand their audience’s needs, and respond to those needs. At times, the Spirit also gave signs and wonders to help the crowd.
The connection is clear. This was the Holy Spirit’s work. People took part, but the Spirit did the work. We can do the same. We can allow the Spirit to lead, guide, empower, and use us just as He used them.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed Acts 13:36-43 today on YouTube.
