Re:Verse reading–Acts 17:10-12, 16-34 (day one)
“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness”–v 11
“Well, I ain’t first class, but I ain’t white trash, I’m wild and a little crazy too. Some girls don’t like boys like me. Aww, but some girls do.”–Sawyer Brown.
An early discovery comes to those who move out to make disciples. Some people won’t listen to your message. They may even hate you for it. But, and this is the joy, some people will listen. And believe.
Acts 17 has a bumpy beginning. The people of Thessalonica form a mob and make continued work there impossible. So, Paul and team move to Berea and find an entirely different mood and mind! Sincerity/spiritual hunger rather than anger/resistance!
Aren’t you glad Paul didn’t quit because the first group “didn’t like him”!
“In due time we will reap a harvest if we do not grow weary” Galatians 6:9
I can imagine how difficult it was for Paul in spreading the gospel in these early days of the church when there was lack of transportation, funding maybe, and technology. Christianity was not popular at that time. Jesus was rejected. He could be killed by religious competitors or by those who did not believe in Jesus or by those who were threatened by his Christian beliefs and his teachings.
In my view, loosing leadership and religious influence is a big deal then and even now. Today’s world seems to be lost and Satan seems to be able to exercise his influence over those who don’t know Christ or who are lost. In early days or now, it takes tremendous courage, faith, trust in the Lord, strong belief in the value of service and for a worthy cause, persistence and determination to do missionaries in areas where Jesus is not yet popular or is not yet accepted. Human nature seems to reject anything that is not a norm or is not popular. It takes vision to move people to change to an unknown territory or destination.
There are some lessons learned here. Planning is critical for everything we do but I find that preparedness and persistence is even more important than the best possible plan. Paul probably knew he would face barriers in his work and prepared for his contingency plan in terms of places, time and travel routes. Persistence brings winning outcomes more than plans do. Success in anything we do depends so much on preparedness and persistence. Persistence keeps us stay on course for success no matter how difficult or challenging a situation may seem. Persistence is a good leadership trait. Paul had the leadership, knowledge of contingency plans, his understanding of human nature under a competitive pressure, faith and trust in the Lord and his commitment to serve the Lord who is worthy to die for.
Paul has set a great example for missionaries. He has set a great contingency leadership model for all to follow! God did not fail in calling Paul to serve His purpose! God chose who could serve Him well and for His glory!