"So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord . . . enabling them to perform signs and wonders. The people of the city were divided. There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews to mistreat them and stone them. But they found out about it and fled . . . They continued to preach the gospel." (Acts 14: 3-7, NIV)
(Portions of the above scriptures were purposely left out so I could highlight a few things.) Paul and Barnabas have been anointed and sent out to share the gospel. Here in Iconium, they are preaching and performing miracles. Some believe; some do not. Because of this, some of the Jews and Gentiles who did not believe in the message wanted to rid them from the town. Paul and Barnabas find out about the plan and flee before harm is done. But, it didn't stop them from going to the next cities (Lystra and Derbe) and preaching the Good News.
"We may wish we could perform a miraculous act that would convince everyone once and for all that Jesus is the Lord. But, we see here that even if we could perform a miracle, it wouldn't convince everyone. God gave these men power to do great wonders as confirmation of the message of grace, but people were still divided. Sow your seeds on the best ground you can find, in the best way you can, and leave the convincing to the Holy Spirit." (footnote, Life Application Bible)
In May, I wrote a post, "Seeing is Believing" about the queen of Sheba hearing of Solomon and all his wisdom and achievements. She had to travel and see for herself before she believed. Here, in the above passage, we have people who were witnessing miracles with their own eyes but still not believing. Makes you wonder what else could have been done for them to believe. Much like today, all we can do is share the gospel and leave the rest up to God. People may be receptive to the gospel; others will want to throw us out and have nothing to do with it. But, like Paul and Barnabas, wipe the dust off your feet and go to the next one. Someone is waiting to hear from you!
In May, I wrote a post, "Seeing is Believing" about the queen of Sheba hearing of Solomon and all his wisdom and achievements. She had to travel and see for herself before she believed. Here, in the above passage, we have people who were witnessing miracles with their own eyes but still not believing. Makes you wonder what else could have been done for them to believe. Much like today, all we can do is share the gospel and leave the rest up to God. People may be receptive to the gospel; others will want to throw us out and have nothing to do with it. But, like Paul and Barnabas, wipe the dust off your feet and go to the next one. Someone is waiting to hear from you!
No comments:
Post a Comment