Meeting of the Hearts
A large group of apostles and believers had assembled in Jerusalem, and it was good. This was a rare time that many of those that were sent forth could gather and explicate and explore what each were doing as each traveled the direction that God led them in. It was a time to exhort one another, and learn the different ways that the Lord was leading, it was certainly enjoyable listening as one by one would detail the happenings of the Holy Spirit, and another would then expound on what he saw.
There must have been more than a hundred and twenty of us meeting here; and the new ways, and the words of knowledge, and the words of wisdom was being heard and spoke in every different direction, but orderly, all by the hand of God. There was much singing, praising and worship going on as with that many believers’, how could it be different? And it was good that meetings like this took place from time to time, as some journeyed to Mesopotamia, some to Galatia, some even farther than that, and a few went east out into the desert, and one small group went all the way south into Egypt. The word of God was spreading throughout every region.
It was good to see Matthew, Thomas, Judas, and all the other apostles, and several of the women had also met with us, along with the many disciples, it was nice hearing about all the works and wonders that were happening through the name of Jesus.
We had been meeting for several weeks, people popping in, some having to leave, the news of the Gospel traveling in and out from every direction; it was good. Bother Paul, the one whose life was changed on the road to Damascus, now called an apostle, came and shared great news of the works of God; for of a truth, he carried the message of Christ to many regions that were inaccessible to many of us, and it was incredible to hear all his goings on. He declared of the many miracles and wonders that God had worked through them among the Gentiles. It was an absolute pleasure meeting those who traveled with him, for they too had a great zeal for the Lord.
This was a time to exchange how the Holy Spirit was moving among His own, and how we all had the privilege to witness it, all hungered and thirsted for more as He moved within those seeking Him in the many nations.
Sometimes we’d get into a slight debate as of how the message should be presented, and a few times it would turn into a confrontation, but all-in-all, it went well. For the Spirit of Christ dwelled among many, and unless one’s flesh came out, we continued in one accord.
Let me set back and reflect a minute as to the growth of each of us, especially me. I was in my late forties at this time, and most of the original disciples were. Although much growth had taken place in each, we were by no-means fully mature, as for me; no more than the rest, we all had a ways to go, but still learning daily. At each meeting many topics would be discussed, many subjects mulled over, and since we didn’t really know what or how to do this, we were completely dependent on the presence of Christ being with us, but I have to admit, sometimes we, especially me, would get out in front of Him, and make what I now call a happy little mistake. To put it bluntly, set sail before all the fishing tackle had been boarded.
Many would come to me asking questions of what they should do, or how a certain things could happen. Things like, who could come to Christ and His teachings, and what, if any restrictions were to be placed on those of other backgrounds, should or should not we baptize those of another sect, and does proof of His indwelling need to be shown before any are accepted? The issue of circumcision was brought up often, and the matters, at times, would become overwhelming, it would, at stretches, be more than this finite creature named Peter, could solve. Many moments, I would be in over my head, but would take a stab at it anyway; my mistake. At one time I appointed that certain restriction were to apply, such as staying away from things strangled, and had even given in on circumcising, knowing that man is not justified by his works, or the flesh; but it happened anyway. I may have been what one would call middle-aged, but apparently not very mature in Christ at this time in my life.
At each stage of my life where growth was apprehended, where light of revelation was conceived, and even where knowledge was being obtained greatly, I would truly grow, but evidently not to the place that I’d thought I was. As a young man, I thought I had life by the bridle, but learned just what was missing after meeting the Christ. Then again before His crucifixion, when I thought I was top leader of the disciples, to find out, after being rebuked, that I was my own fool. Later, during the Pentecost experience, when great, mighty, and wonderful things happened thru the Holy Spirit, I thought that my life was set on top of the world, and in a way it was, but not quite where I thought I was. I had grown, that is a fact, but not to the end of the means, it was just another stepping-stone, but then again thought that where my life was now, placed me as high as one could go, but this was not so, and that’s a fact. And now that my hair and beard is turning gray, meaning, at this meeting with the other apostles, Paul included, it seems that I would have learned by now; but I once again, trying to play the big-shot, stuck all ten toes in my mouth.
Looking back, I was in no way a failure, although that was exactly how I felt, but at another place of learning, a place to fall, but also a place to let God stand me back up again, and continue with this journey He had set for me. Not knowing at the time that this was my walk, one ordained by the Lord.
But it was now time for this man to journey again north, but this time farther north, probably around the horn inlet of the Great Sea, but stopping at Capernaum to see my wife before going further.
In this place of coming together, here in Jerusalem, was wonderful for all, and just about everyone was there at one time or another, for we’d met for several weeks now, and many great things were being composed by the Lord’s hand being on each. Without going into all the details, I can tell you that the might of God’s hand is either growing in strength, or we believers are receiving It with greater capacity, for the improvement of the power of His Love is growing within us mightily as our walk with Him continues.
I left towards the north while some were still rejuvenating, but I know that each received an energy that was somewhat like that of the days of Pentecost. I was excited to go share that which God was doing within me, with as many as would listen, and I was also excited about seeing my wife, as it’s been many months since we’d shared a day together.
It took seven days to get back to Capernaum, because the six of us stopped at Scythopolis where many were eager to hear more about the Words that God was giving us, but after one night I left again going to Gadara by myself, leaving the others’ behind. It was there that a close friend of mine lived, name Lazariah, a true brother in Christ and a man of great wealth, but humble in every way. He too received the Holy Ghost at Pentecost with the rest of us, and was on a level with Christ, that at long stretches at a time, would hear from Him daily, a man that loved his relationship with the Lord.
It was late in the evening, the sun had already set, fog began to blow in with the south breeze that would sometimes get captured in these mountain valleys to form fog that was much too thick for traveling, but I made it to his home sound and safe.
“Good evening my brother, hope all is well, and maybe you could spare some time for an old friend.” I said all this before he even knew who it was in the dark, but recognized my voice.
“Peter, my friend, I was expecting you some few days ago, but never-the-less welcome, come in, sit with me.”
It was late fall, the air cool, but it couldn’t put a damper on our warm friendship. Saying my ‘hellos’ to his family, we sat beside the door and talked looking over the low lying fog at the many stars that stood out on such a crisp night, we both had a lot to say, and to listen too. For he too was an ambassador of Christ, and spends many of his days expounding to many on the Word of God, for God has wrought many wonderful works and miracles through his hands. An authenti
c believer that puts his assets to the helping of the saints, a man of true internal means, for he lived daily the life that he professed. Lazariah told of the people healed and about the several that were delivered from spirits that were unclean, but mostly of the accepted response of those wanting to meet and know this man Jesus; and many met Him from within. It was pleasant seeing my good friend again, and most of the night was spent exchanging the happenings of the last few years, catching up on all that God was doing.
It was early when I woke, laying still and silent as I meditated on the new day, and if I was strong enough to get all the way to Capernaum, and do it all in one day. I had told Lazariah that I was to head out early, and it was now about two hours before sunrise, and instead of lying here, might as well get up and leave, for I had about thirty miles yet to travel. And seeing my precious wife again was the motivation of the day, but then again, only God knows what’s been stored for this day.
The night breeze of the morning was cool with a crisp hint in the air, a chill that would make one shiver if just sitting, but I was set out to walk the whole distance in one day if possible, the perfect temperature for my traveling. I was to walk along the west coast of the Sea of Galilee where every few miles I would encounter another town or city, my work getting there was already cut out for me, and I was excited, and feeling strong for a man in his mid-forties.
It was an uneventful trip thus far, starting to get light; and the breeze off the sea was much warmer, but I had, at this time, just came up to the town of Magdala and still had some eight miles yet to go, and still excited. I think that God had prepared this day for me to make it all the way home, for other than speaking a few times to the people that I’d pass, nothing seemed to slow the pace down.
The coast gets a little steep as I approached Capernaum, and could now see the flicker of light, at least now and then, and my enthusiasm was running high as day gave way to night. I think my wife knows I am coming, for Andrew was to stop and tell her, but I’m not sure as I advanced toward our home and it was now in sight. No one was waiting, nor watching as the sound of my heavy foot-steps pounded on the hard ground of the entrance-way as I entered. There she was, cooking a leg of something over an open fire, looking as beautiful as the day we wed, I was glad to be home.
When she turned around, seeing me, chirped like a song bird, and ran and gave me the biggest hug. “Been waiting on you, thought it would be a might earlier though, this goat has been ready for three hours, I hope it’s not burnt pass the eating stage.” She said as were still embracing.
“My love, all I had on my mind these passing miles were you, the food smells and sounds good, but let me hold you a few more minutes first.” She smiled, we held each other’s hand, talked a little bit, and then realized just how hungry I really was; it was good to be home, to be next to her, to sit beside the woman that is the greatest of all help-mates.
As I’d said earlier, I had the complete support from my wife, and she encouraged me in every way. She’d known in my youthful years of the twisting in the soul, the knotting of my stomach, of the missing peace of my life, and fortified every support toward the ministry she could, it pleased her to please the longing held deep within me. She knew who Jesus was, and knew of the personal relationship I had with Him, and she had it too, and we both continue with Him each day, just sometimes in different directions. Our love for each other is real, and when I’m gone for so long, it loses nothing, it sustains us both, we are both able to love each other the same, whether we’re near or far apart.
Earlier, while still in Jerusalem, Judas, the brother of Jesus, told that he was going north, maybe all the way to Tarsus, for there was a call out from them beckoning the apostles to come forth and show and help Paul in the teachings of the revelations from God. He was then to report back to those of us now staying in Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida the news and happenings of Galatia. It might be a week from now, it might even be much longer than that before he makes it this far south again, but all were waiting; and each knew of his soon arrival, as we talked with one another every few days. We didn’t meet in a group, per-se, but somebody would talk with someone else, and our messages would be relayed, and by the end of every few days everyone knew all the goings-on. Our fellowship with each kept us all going, and the presence of Christ was our backbone.
It was a pleasant evening when my wife and I returned from a small fishing trip. Well it really wasn’t as much about fishing as it was just being alone together. Our time together was a precious commodity, and every day we made the best of it. The sun was barely over the mountains to the west, when all was straightened in the boat, that we sat on the beach to relax some more. A large school of fish began to feed just off the shore bank, not more than seventy-five feet from us, and we looked at each other, without saying a word, and knew that this trip wasn’t about fishing, so we just sat, not enticed at all that we didn’t catch any.
She too heard many revelation from the Lord, and I was always excited to hear what was being said through her, the might of God was flowing throughout all the regions, and it was certainly nice to learn of the wonders and works thru others, especially hers’. She knows that what I’m doing is important, and knows that this message of the Kingdom of God has to go forth, and she also knows of the dangers that lie in wait, but, to her it’s worth the risk. She is not a woman that’s ruled by fear, but her faith and belief that what God started, He is faithful to see it thru to the end.
It had now been dark for an hour or so, and we still lay on the sand watching the incoming tide, the thousands of stars, and hadn’t spoken a word in a while, when the sound of my brother’s voice was heard from a distance, probably from our house, calling for us, and he sounded a little excited. As soon as we stood, he recognizes us and walked in our direction.
After we said our ‘hellos’, spoke about the beauty of the night, Andrew told that Judas had just returned from Galatia, and about the people wanting to hear about this Gospel, and their hunger for the Words were great. And particularly had asked for me to come, which I knew was going to happen, for I too knew, weeks ago, saw that this northern trip was the next road to travel, for Jesus had put them on my heart.
Andrew thought that I might want to know this information, and that was the excitement that we were hearing in his voice. So we talked a while longer, walked back to the house, said our good-byes, and he left, leaving the rest of the night just for us, it was nice, this reunion, so we stayed up most of the night just laughing, talking and enjoying being with each other.
You know, life is a lot more pleasant when a body has that special someone that they can pour their heart out too, and the last few days have been wonderful. We have total trust in each other, and the time spent apart, we really aren’t apart, as for me, and I think her also, we are never separated except in body, for our hearts are always together. I know that I’ve given my life to the forwarding of God’s Kingdom, and I think from deep within that I’d probably testify of Christ and Him resurrected, even without her support, but having the extraordinary wife that I do, helps tremendously. Love conquers all things, and I’m not talking about that worldly love, I’m speaking of the kind of Love that just Loves, and has no conditions. I am positive, at this point, that a long time before I met the Lord, or even heard of Him, that my life was being arranged, I just couldn’t ask for a better woman, our hearts are connected.
The next morning I did what I always do, that is wake up early, lay motionless, and listen to what God had planned for me, that is, if He wants to let me in on any of the details. And most of the time He doesn’t. But this time, my wife, well aware of my morning habits, knew that I was awake and began talking about the harvest of the north regions, that is; the hunger and thirst that these people had for this new message of Grace. We spoke quietly, but sincerely until this fresh day cracked w
ith a small hint of light. She then got up, fixed a large breakfast, bundled a large roll of flat bread with dried fish, and put it in my traveling pouch. The sun had been up for an hour or so before both said our good-byes, and I headed out toward the sun to pick up Andrew and a couple of the other folks that were to go with us. It certainly is a beautiful day, I thought while walking along the shore-line; and God had stored so many things for my life, that I was enthusiastic to see what was stored for this trip.
As approaching Andrews’ house, I could see that he and maybe eight or ten more were waiting for my arrival. It was several of the folks that we’d journey with before, and I was glad to have them on this trip also. It was getting towards high sun before we took off north, and it seemed everyone in the group had a positive discernment about this trip and was also excited to see what God was going to do next. This venture was going to take a while, for we were on a three-hundred mile walking voyage, and at most, could cover twenty miles a day, and that’s if nothing comes up, which it always does. Anyway, I told my wife that I’d probably be gone about six months, maybe longer. So when approaching, I ask the guys if they’d did the same to their families, all of them had.
The sun straight over head, not a cloud in the sky, temperature was just right for walking, and a lot of walking was ahead of us as the eleven of us set out towards Antioch in the region of Phrygia, but were planning to stop at Tarsus for a week or so. The trip would have been much easier if we’d taken a ship straight across, but Andrew and I both heard from within that we should walk; now here we are, walking, and enjoying every minute of it with this great group of brothers, all handpicked by God.
Three weeks later we were coming up to the town of Tarsus of Syria, right next to the sea-port city of Seleucia, it was getting late and we’d decided to camp some mile or two out of town, and were walking toward a group of clustered tree that could be seen to our left. And I’d got to thinking about the journey thus far, and was reflecting back to the people that were met along the route, for it was often that we’d pass by other travelers, and occasionally stop and chat for a while. Many of them would know one or two of us, and would want their families to hear from the ones that walked with Jesus as he ministered. It was commonplace for someone to be healed, delivered, or even filled with the Holy Spirit, and all we were doing, was doing what we do best; testifying of the things we saw, or the things that were heard; all the wonders were done by the Lord, we were spectators, just like them. Legs were straightened, a blind lady received her sight, a man with boils was delivered, and once, God healed a families’ only donkey; times were good and the anticipation of Jehovah’s movements was what kept our legs strong to keep moving. It was just one of those days that a body just reflects about the days, and what were in them, that are gone by, and maybe glean a tid-bit or two out of ‘em; just a day for thinking.
We’d set up camp, fire going, sitting back relaxing, and some were in deep discussions, but me, I sort of back away from the rest of ‘em and continued in my thoughts. At this time I was thinking on process of the growth and the different levels of development that had been done thru the many stages of increase in my life. As a young man, I was a hot-head, quick the speak my opinion about anything, would act before my brain even knew what was happening, I’d stick the ole foot in the mouth more times than a person would like to admit to, at least out loud. I guess that this sometimes comes with immaturity; I just seem to have carried it too far. Even when Jesus had given us the Spirit right before His crucifixion, and my eyes were opening, you’d think that stuff would start falling into place. Maybe it did, but not to the point that the maturity level was noticed.
At that place in my life, after His death, all that could be seen was that He was dead, gone, the man that gave me hope and a vision, a purpose in life was gone, and I’d felt that life was right back to where it started, empty. But there was more. When at Pentecost and the force of that wind hitting me in the face, made all the difference, I was then filled with His Presence, and at that place could see that all the delusions of being again alone, were not true. For then, Jesus was more alive within me than he ever was when walking with Him daily. I prophesied words that had no need to be run thru my brain first, for they weren’t mine, but His; all I had to do was get out of the way. But then again, for the most part, that was short lived. Thinking these great words made me someone special occupied the inner thoughts to the point that I started believing them, thinking I was special, but then again, I was reminded by the attacks and prison that I too was just a common man, a man without true means. I had the true means alright, and that wasn’t my problem, but my flesh kept interfering, and at many times, my brain would dismiss that works that were actually done within me.
After so many were added to the called-out-ones, and so many were healed, and many looked to me for the next step, why wouldn’t I think that I was special? My eyes were still focus on the things outside, on the things that the brain gets involved in, and didn’t realize, for any length of time, that it was the Christ within that was doing the work, and not me. Boy-o-boy, growing up is sometimes a hard process, but I persevered, not giving up, and slowly I began to learn, but not without many more trials and tribulations. At the time, I was thinking at each new level that I’d reached the top, but not so, this was just a stepping stone to the next level, but at the time; I didn’t know that to be true.
Still pondering, I was watching the stars as they slowly rotated across the sky. The other men had broken off into several groups and had their own dialogues going, but all that was blanked out as I continued in deep thought. A shooting star shot from the east and traveled from one horizon to the next, and some people said it would bring good luck, and even though I might not have grown much in these past few years, I’d grown enough not to base my life on old wives-tales. I was in one of those modes that while a person is thinking, he doesn’t know he’s thinking, it just sort of takes its’ own course, it was the stars that I was looking at that my thoughts were supposed to be at, but evidently, not so. Even though I’d seen the star shoot across the black sky in its fiery blaze, only a fleeting moment was given to it, for my thoughts were elsewhere.
Jesus many times reminded us to embrace our enemies, to love those that despitefully use us, and to not be anxious when someone persecutes any of us, and that makes sense, and many times his presence ran through me, but there were still circumstances that I had to do it on my own, in other words; I was still stupid. And thinking at each new and higher level, gave me a carnal knowledge that maybe I was something special, until this night. And I remembered. Jesus once told us that God was able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones, and then on another occasion He said that if these folks didn’t praise Him, that God was able to raise up stones that would; and all this time, I still thought that I was ‘The Leader’. In truth; I am special, not for my abilities, but my availability, not for the way I could capture the attention of a crowd, but for the quietness of hearing His voice and speaking it, not for my strength for protecting Him, but the strength of professing Him, not for gift of healing folks, but for the knowledge of getting out of the way and letting the Healer heal. Yes, in a way, I am special, but only because God chose me, a fisherman, that reeked of the smell of fish, a common man at a place in his life that he, (I), was ready for change, and I’m thankful.
Now I’m wondering how many trials still await me.
On this certain morning after eating a hand full of figs we all headed into to the town of Seleucia for a short stop and then go to Antioch, which was but a furlong farther, the two towns almost touched.
Our whole group was still excited, had a good nights’ rest, and was alert with anticipation of what God had in store for us in the days to come, as for me, last nights’ thoughts were the energy to keep me going with hope. Hope of a life within and its’ evolution to become the servant that God create
d me to be; it was a day of expectations. Hope has always represented the expectations of positive change, and change in that direction would be welcomed.
As we entered Seleucia in the forenoon people were busy, for they trekked in every direction, but seemed to have purpose. This was a fishing village, and the boats were lined up all across the shore, the waters were dotted with the many boats coming or going, and some so far out they were but specks. Being a fisherman in my youth, I continued to have a fascination with all the goings-on of the industry and the many different ways that folks used to catch their dinner. I’d always thought that people living near the sea had an advantage over most, for their next meal was only a short distance away, weather permitting. Two of the men traveling with us were brothers, and it didn’t take them long before spotting a couple of men that they had been acquainted with. They talked a few moments and motioned for us to come in that direction.
After introductions, they began telling us of the needs and wants of those in the next village, for many had been waiting on this new message; for a man called Paul had been there a year or so earlier and had pricked their hearts with the message of the Grace of God, and they wanted more. Times were good for this area of Syria, but all didn’t accept this Gospel, for the Jews still had a strong influence here and wouldn’t let any be swayed, if it meant that their livelihood was in jeopardy. But many openly professed Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, and had a thirst for the Word being taught.
They were friendly, with smiles as big as the moon, and offered to feed this whole bunch. We were hungry, for regular food was not available on this trip thus far, and the offer was quickly accepted.
As the food was served, and swiftly eaten, they continued talking of the desires of many for the Word of God, that came through non-religious means. It impressed them greatly that the Gospel was being preached without a cost in money, for now it made sense to them that this Grace is special, and has to be real, not at all like that of the religious leaders, with their rules and regulations, for Paul would accept no money for his labor of Love. Anyway, they were thrilled with us being there, and wanted to follow us as we went to Antioch, where no small assembly gathered every day to express their interpretations and views of Paul’s message, but wanted more. The two towns were connected, at least when it came to the believers’, and our new-found friends were to collect the other supporters and walk with us the short distance to Antioch, and were anxious to do so.
As we entered the town, the people knew immediately who we were, for so many from Seleucia wouldn’t announced our arrival and be massed together, if not for a disciple being in their mist, anyway, our small group was not so small. A man whose name was Samuel, calling himself a disciple, first met us as we approached the trade center of town. The sun was well up, the wind blowing off the sea through this narrow valley, and it was still cool as we began our exchange of small talk and introductions.
“We folks here in Antioch are not religious in any fashion, and the Jews have spent much time trying to proselytize us into their belief, but we wanted no part of their labor, nor bondage to so many of their strenuous rules and regulations. For when the Apostle Paul spent time here and told us of the grace of God through Jesus; we listened. Our town and the people in it, are just common folks, we put ourselves off on no one, and haven’t, as of yet, allowed outsiders to invade our privacy, but hearing him and his genuine behavior, decided to accept this new lifestyle, but only a few days before Paul had to leave. But now need the Word of God to be expounded in greater detail. Many have been in wait for an Apostle to venture this way and teach us more of this Grace, to show us in truth, the Truth. So all are excited that you folks are here, and we greet you with enthusiasm.” Samuel said in a matter-of-fact tone, but with a giant smile on his face the whole time.
As us disciples and Apostles looked at each other, then smiled, knowing that God had sent us here with reason; and this was it, at least part of the reason. God always knows what He’s doing, it just that most of the time, we don’t. Our enthusiasm grew. With people like this, that is, folks that God has already prepared, all of us agreed that the trip is, and is going to be, well worth our tired legs.
“Thank you sir, this time together is going to be all our pleasure,” I said as the others were in complete agreement.
It was then that we were taken to a small house, in the middle of the part of town, where the food venders gathered daily to sell their surplus. The smells, especially the bread, was an odor that could make a man that had just eaten, hungry. We were placed in the midst of many folks that wanted to hear more of Jesus Christ, and about His resurrection, but especially more about the Gift of Grace.
Paul had told them that Grace came with no charge, not of money, nor that of labor, it was truly a free gift, and the Gift was Jesus, the Gift was true forgiveness.
Then, as we had gathered talking with so many, and at any given time someone was always at the door, or in the room with questions, the Spirit of God and His Christ was upon us, and those gathered wanting to understand this new way of life that is so much different than the religious leaders have tried burdening them with. This Gospel that Jesus came to express is greater, much deeper, it is not about a reformed life, but a transformed life, and much different than the yokes of the Sadducees, scribes, and the priest of the synagogues, for it contained no such weights of performance, only Love and Grace. The Gospel taught that the act of ‘being’ was all it took to fall under the Love of God. And I knew this, at this place in my life, but this Truth still hadn’t reached its’ completeness in the morrow of my soul, as of yet. I was learning, and this I was sure of, and if not obvious to others, it was to me; for I could look at myself and know that there was much more to learn than what’s been yet comprehended. Anyway, this meeting of the hearts is the place that God has sent us too, and we knew it, not just for them, but us also.
As men and women continued coming to this little house, and we’d minister too many, the day began waxing into a dull gray as the sun had barely set, but the folks kept coming. It was somewhat of a strange time, for when asked a question that had not been proposed to us before, and really didn’t know the answer, the whole group would become silent, and after a few moments, God would give an answer, therefore, we’d all learn. And it was this learning process that kept our energy highly motivated, a very crucial evolution for both, them and us, we were all still students, meaning disciples, learning as we go.
It was shortly after sundown that Samuel returned and told us of another large room where most of the people had gathered, and wanted each to follow him there, and we did. It was massed with a great number of individuals ranging from the very old to the very young; and all still seemed to have a smile on their face. As we entered, an older man approached me with a comment and a question. “I can hear that this message from Paul was one of freedom, and that we are acceptable where we are, in the sight of God, but is this really true, is there not something that we must do to earn favor?”
I had leaned back against the stone wall, thinking, if not showing, that this question was perplexing. For it made sense that God would want to expect something from the believers that sought Him, so I settled back in my usual position to wait on an answer, but it didn’t come. So, looking the man in the face, laying my arm on his shoulder, I told him that I would shortly get back to him on this. It was not ten minutes later that a woman stepped up and asked somewhat of the same question, and my response was the same.
Moments later, Andrew, John and two of the other guys went with me outside the doorway to talk this over, for none of us really knew the true answer. Andrew said that in one way it didn’t make sense that we would have to do something, but on the other hand, it makes sense that there would be something on mans’ part to show himself available. The other two were just listening. “I don’t know what to say”, I spo
ke point blank, and wanting a sincere answer, and told them both that we’d get back to ‘em; how do I respond?” I said as my eyes were going from one to the other, but speaking to Andrew. All they did was shrug their shoulders. I was the supposed leader, and still felt the need to look the part. We went back in with nothing established.
The meeting, or should I rather say gathering, had somewhat of a festive atmosphere, as the laughter and arm gestures indicated a people of great zeal and freedom in their belief of this new way of Life. I watched as many would greet, hug and chat as they walked around the room, with a genuine glow of personality. These folks believed, and as new believers, had an unusual grasp of the things of God, they were hungry for the preached Word.
Thinking in long intervals, and meditating on what’s really needed here, I began to work my way back into the midst of the crowd, to make, what I thought at this time to be appropriate, an announcement.
Samuel saw what was going on with me, he knew that I wanted to speak, and with the rapping of his walking stick on the side of the wall, got the attention of the loud group. And I began to speak. “Men, brothers, friends and all those that can hear my voice; I beseech you my beloved that you would give ear to my words, that you may take heed to this reasoning. There has been a concern over a few matters, and maybe this night we can address them to find resolution. A good while back God had showed me in a dream that there was no difference between the Jew or the Gentile, and that my thoughts, nor by my mouth should I call what he created unclean, and that the Gentiles should also hear the word of the Gospel and believe, and He has made no distinction between them and us, and will purify their hearts also. Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of us, or each other, that neither our forefathers nor we are able to bear? But we also believe that through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that the Gentiles shall be saved by faith, the same as we. For God had declared aforetime to take out of them a people to be called by His name. We will not burden you with the yoke of circumcision, that are turning to God from among the gentiles, for the cutting away of the foreskin avails to nothing, but the circumcision of the heart is essential to the finding of His Truth. Therefore trouble not those of the Gentiles who are turning to God, but instead love all in the Grace of God, and His freedom. But I do say unto you to abstain from things strangled, from blood, and from that that is polluted by idols.”
These words I spoke, but they were not given to me by the Holy Spirit, but I believed with His permission, or so I thought. The people were silent, for none had anything to say, nor were there any questions, but the atmosphere stayed positive, as all continued to mingle.
Later in the night a man approached and said that he’d heard all that I said, and would still like to be circumcised. “Brother, there is no law in Grace that says that any can forbid circumcision, and in this case, it is no burden, do as your conscious allows.”
It was a great night of festivities and many more words were spoken to those that desired a greater walk with the Lord. But the next morning, we were to begin our next trek to Tarsus, a six or seven day journey, and then again, this meeting of the hearts was, in its’ self, worth the trip, for many were healed in their bodies and in their heart.