[Acts 15, Proverbs 3]

H – Acts 15:28–29, “[28] For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: [29] that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

E – Burden!

God’s Word had penetrated the hearts of Gentiles. However, the religious Pharisees and some of the leading Jews were not pleased because they believed these Gentiles needed to go through the rituals of circumcision. The law of Moses was their measuring stick and if you couldn’t measure up then you were not accepted. There was only one problem. They failed to accept that salvation did not come from circumcision, but through the grace of our Lord and Savior and faith in Him (15:9). Therefore, these apostles and elders came to the conclusion that they were not requiring circumcision and observance of the entire Mosaic law (15:10), for salvation is by grace alone (15:11).

Being religious is burdensome. Going through the motions and having a checklist Christianity is burdensome. Keeping up with everyone else’s demands is burdensome. Trying to follow ancient transitions can be burdensome. Yet, surrendering to Jesus and following Him is not burdensome. 

I believe John helps us see this clearly in 1 John 5:3, when he stated, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

A – Don’t let the trap of tradition create burdens. Walk in faith to His great grace and commit to follow Him. For that is not a burden, but a blessing. 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for your amazing grace. Thank you that being in a relationship with you is not a burden. Thank you God for the blessing that comes from obedience. Lord, help me to commit each day to following you. 

In Jesus Name!