GO GET 'EM, KID!
"Now the brethren at once sent Paul and Silas away" (Acts 17:10 AMP). "At once the brethren sent Paul off on his way" (Acts 17:14).
Paul was a Pharisee trained by Gamaliel in Jerusalem. He had been one of the first to try and wipe out "The Way" (Christianity). He was an adamant promoter of the Law of Moses and the traditions of the Jewish elders. But he changed! He became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Everywhere he went, in every synagogue he entered, he spoke the message "concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God." Not only were many becoming believers but many were also remaining in unbelief, becoming jealous and angry. These latter-mentioned people stoned Paul, they rioted against him, they had Paul and his companions brought before authorities and whipped and jailed. "Paul was completely engrossed with preaching, earnestly arguing and testifying to the Jews that Jesus [is] the Christ. But since they kept opposing and abusing and reviling them, he shook out his clothing [against them] and said to them, your blood be upon your [own] heads! I am innocent [of it]. From now on I will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:5-6).
The trouble with the Gospel is that it frees people from the tyranny of sin and sinful people. The world holds its captives with lies, oppression and fear of man. But Jesus Christ has overcome the world and turned its dictatorship on its ear. The worldly-minded hated Him for it; and, they hate His disciples, too. They label us trouble makers because we bring good news to the suffering and afflicted, comfort the broken hearted, announce liberty to captives, open the eyes of the blind, announce the time of God's favor (Isaiah 61: 1-3 LB). This is perceived as a threat to evil men and the darkness in which they hold their captives.
The ones who seek truth will find Christ. Those who long for righteousness will be satisfied in Christ. Those who sit in darkness, have had the Light of Christ shed upon them. Those who suffer and are afflicted find relief and release in Jesus Christ. Those held captive to the lies of evil are set free in Christ. Those who are blind to God's will and purpose receive their sight in the kingdom of God. Those who are broken and contrite find comfort and healing in Jesus Christ. Is it worth the trouble to go out there in the world to preach and teach the good message of God's favor through Jesus Christ? Obviously God thinks we're all worth it. Think about it.
"Now the brethren at once sent Paul and Silas away" (Acts 17:10 AMP). "At once the brethren sent Paul off on his way" (Acts 17:14).
Paul was a Pharisee trained by Gamaliel in Jerusalem. He had been one of the first to try and wipe out "The Way" (Christianity). He was an adamant promoter of the Law of Moses and the traditions of the Jewish elders. But he changed! He became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Everywhere he went, in every synagogue he entered, he spoke the message "concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God." Not only were many becoming believers but many were also remaining in unbelief, becoming jealous and angry. These latter-mentioned people stoned Paul, they rioted against him, they had Paul and his companions brought before authorities and whipped and jailed. "Paul was completely engrossed with preaching, earnestly arguing and testifying to the Jews that Jesus [is] the Christ. But since they kept opposing and abusing and reviling them, he shook out his clothing [against them] and said to them, your blood be upon your [own] heads! I am innocent [of it]. From now on I will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:5-6).
The trouble with the Gospel is that it frees people from the tyranny of sin and sinful people. The world holds its captives with lies, oppression and fear of man. But Jesus Christ has overcome the world and turned its dictatorship on its ear. The worldly-minded hated Him for it; and, they hate His disciples, too. They label us trouble makers because we bring good news to the suffering and afflicted, comfort the broken hearted, announce liberty to captives, open the eyes of the blind, announce the time of God's favor (Isaiah 61: 1-3 LB). This is perceived as a threat to evil men and the darkness in which they hold their captives.
The ones who seek truth will find Christ. Those who long for righteousness will be satisfied in Christ. Those who sit in darkness, have had the Light of Christ shed upon them. Those who suffer and are afflicted find relief and release in Jesus Christ. Those held captive to the lies of evil are set free in Christ. Those who are blind to God's will and purpose receive their sight in the kingdom of God. Those who are broken and contrite find comfort and healing in Jesus Christ. Is it worth the trouble to go out there in the world to preach and teach the good message of God's favor through Jesus Christ? Obviously God thinks we're all worth it. Think about it.
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
