Psalm 131; Acts 13:13-43

Psalm 131
This is one of David's psalms. He begins by assuring the Lord that he is not proud. Do you think maybe pride had been a problem to David, who, after all, was the King of Israel? And in reality isn't pride the root of so much sin? Exactly what is pride? It is thinking too highly of ourselves and our importance. It may come in the form of boasting or selfishness or self-righteousness or envy. Called by any name, it's sin. When it creeps into our lives, we must confess it and turn from it.

Then he goes on to use a curious example in v. 2. Instead of being proud which makes us dissatisfied, restless, and anxious, David says he is calm and quiet like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother's milk. Somehow I wouldn't have thought of a weaned child as a picture of serenity, and indeed the child isn't serene at first. Becoming independent is lonely and scary, but once truly weaned, no child wants to go back to being a baby. He becomes comfortable with his independence, and he looks forward to the future. As we grow in the Lord and look toward the future, we should remember what David said to Israel in v. 3, "...put  your hope in the Lord--now and always."

Acts 13:13-43
Paul and his party continued on their missionary journey. v. 13 records that John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. We don't know why he left and we really should not speculate or judge, though we learn later that Paul thought it wrong of him to leave them. We will return to John Mark later.

Paul and Barnabas continued on to Antioch of Pisidia (different from Antioch of Syria which already had a thriving church.) The leaders in the synagogue there asked for words of encouragement for the people. And so Paul stood before them and proceeded to review the history of God's work in Israel bringing them to the birth of Jesus, one of David's descendants, who was God's promised Savior of Israel. Paul went on to tell them--Jews and Gentiles--the message of salvation through Jesus--the Good News. He tells them of Jesus death and burial and particularly of His resurrection. "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God..." (vv.38-39) Yes, this is Good News indeed.