1 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said.

Back from vacation.

When you are retired how do you know when a vacation starts or finishes? We used to look forward to when our family left home and went to someplace different. It was often to travel to relatives’ homes and see aunts, uncles, and play with cousins we hadn’t seen for a while.  Our routine was set aside and we did things together with a larger family. It was fun and special. We ate different foods, slept in different beds, saw different sights, but there came a time we longed to be home.

What did coming home mean? Among other things, it meant going back to our routine - our own houses, beds, neighborhoods, friends and responsibilities.

We are home now. We picked up our dogs from where others took care of them when we were gone. We went to the grocery store to replenish our fridge and cupboards of foods we are used to. We start unpacking our traveling clothes and washing them. We got our mail and paid our bills. We are getting back into our old routine. My wife is returning to editing my mistakes I make in writing the nuggets. She also commented on this routine.

Paul and his companions went to a synagogue when it was Sabbath. It was their routine for worship even though it wasn’t home. As a missionary he would preach and teach in the places he stopped at their synagogues. He had a new message that needed to be heard. Jesus Christ is the Messiah that has come. The prophecies of His coming had been fulfilled. Paul told of His miracles, death, and resurrection from the dead.

How would this message be received? I am guessing his companions also told their stories of salvation by faith in Christ.  This message is not only life changing but gave great hope for eternal life beyond.

I look forward to the religious routines of church, Sunday School, writing nuggets, and prayer meetings. These are the things that bring my world together with the eternal truths God has for me and for others.

Paul had a routine. Even though he was not at home, he met with people who knew the prophecies and it was his delight to tell people how Jesus fulfilled them. It is my delight too.

Prayer:  Oh Lord, I am always reminded that You are a God of order.  Thank You for the "customs" thta we have that keep us on the narrow road.