“I will rebuild its ruins.”

Acts 15:12-18, And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, “ ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.’”

James sees the solution to their concerns about the new Gentile believers in prophecy and how it has been ordained by God as a part of his amazing plan. Elsewhere, Paul sees it this way: “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.” The original intent for the nation was that they would bring the name of the Lord to all nations, as James notes further that “from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him.” Even so some of those still were stumbling over the truth of Christ: “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” How blessed are we who have heard his voice and follow him!

We thank you for your great gift of faith and pray for revival throughout all nations, especially Israel!

ESV Lectionary