Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“[Peter said,] ‘Now therefore why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, May 10, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
For centuries God chose the people of Israel to be God’s people. All communication, conversations, writings, rites, rituals, laws, and customs were given to Jews.
When Jesus came, everything changed. Suddenly, it became clear that God had opened the invitation to everyone. This caused a great deal of confusion, as you can imagine. What now, were Jews to do about the vastly different rites, rituals, laws, and customs of Gentiles? Gentiles were not accustomed to eating clean, praying regularly, and were certainly not prepared to be circumcised—especially as adults.
So, the leaders of the church did what leaders of the church will do. They debated about it. Often. Passionately. Ultimately, Peter made the argument that the church stood by. It was not right to burden Gentiles with the “yoke” that even Jews could not bear.
To circumcise or not circumcise is not a conversation Christians have today. But we do still place a yoke on ourselves and on others. I invite you to reflect on this next sentence:
“Good Christians should…”
The thoughts that come up for you might just be a yoke you’re willing to place on yourself or others. If you’ve ventured this far, consider the next step—what would Christianity look like if those yokes were removed?
