This morning, I read an interesting verse in Acts 13 . In verse 46, Paul is speaking to the Jews who were inciting people against him and Barnabas. He says:

"It was necessary that the Word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles."

It struck me that their rejection of the Gospel was an act of judgment. Yet unlike many claims against Christ-followers today, it was not Paul or Barnabas who did the judging. They judged themselves unworthy. And not in a remorseful or broken way. It seems the judgment was one of agreement. Like a judge who closes one case and moves on to the next, they were done with the message of the Gospel.

From time to time we as believers will encounter those who seem to do the same thing. We must not let it turn us to arrogance, but brokenness. We must not let it turn us to hopelessness, but prayer. After all, Paul stirred up all kinds of trouble for believers and God over-ruled his self-judgment.