Acts 13:42-52
New
International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
42 As Paul and Barnabas
were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about
these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the
Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with
them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath
almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the
crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas
answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider
yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
47 For this is what the
Lord has commanded us:
“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
48 When the Gentiles heard
this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life
believed.
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole
region. 50 But
the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of
the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled
them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust
from their feet in
protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the
disciples were filled
with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
(http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2013:%2042%20-52&version=NIV1984)
Do you want a revival in your
church or even more so in your town? It is
pretty clear here what you should do, preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ! So many times we get so caught up in the
things of this world that we forget the very essence of who we are. We forget that as Christians we need to allow
the Holy Spirit to work through us and we should speak boldly to those around
us. It may not always be what they want
to hear because we all tend to think our agenda is better than the next guys. Paul
and Barnabas did not mince words here, they spoke the truth. Do you remember
what the leaders had said to them just prior to them speaking? They
had told them that if they had any encouraging words to say, to speak. To most of the people there they had “encouraging
words” but to those he spoke against, the words weren’t so encouraging. Who were those they spoke against? The
leaders of the Jews. Even though
they used strong words that day, the pharisees did not run them out quite
yet. I would imagine they thought the
people would reject their words but instead they followed them and asked more
questions, they even invited them to come back and speak the next Sabbath. When they went back the entire town came to
hear what they had to say. When the Pharisees
saw this they were not pleased. Wait,
the church is full and the pastor is jealous because some strangers brought
people in to hear him? Sounds crazy but
that is what happened. The church grew
because the message was spread. Paul and
Barnabas may have been kicked out but remaining was the Holy Spirit to guide
those who believed.
I am one who tends to get upset
if I hurt someone’s feelings even if I am speaking the truth. I try to watch what and how I say things but
if I confront someone with an issue, it is one that I think is very important. Sometimes the approach is soft and gentle
while other times it may seem direct and some may say even “harsh”. I have been told that I intimidate people,
something I never tend to do and I don’t even understand how I do this. When I hear these things it makes me upset
because I don’t want to be viewed as harsh or intimidating, that is not my
character. But today as I read this I
noticed the reaction of Paul and Barnabas, they were filled with joy and with
the Holy Spirit! If I am speaking the
truth, not out of my own selfish desires but the truth regarding the Word of
God, then if the words that I say intimidate, it is not me that is intimidating
but the Holy Spirit. Knowing this
brought joy to Paul and Barnabas as should it bring joy to me.
We must each examine ourselves
and make sure that we are not speaking out of our own desires but are seeking
the Lord, believing in His Words, and trusting Him to give us the Words of
kindness, the words of love, and sometimes the words of intimidation in order
that others may know Him or reject Him.
We all tend to think that we are failures when we people reject our
words but if they are truly from the Holy Spirit they are not rejecting us but
instead the One and Only One they will have to answer to. Seek Him and Speak Boldly for Him.
Seeking Him with all my heart,
Sheila
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