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 Acts 14:1-7 - Preach the Good News

        Paul and Barnabas faced opposition on their mission to share Christ’s message. We see a pattern: success and fruit - and severe resistance. It wasn’t all roses in Cypress. Nor in Perga. Nor in Antioch of Pisidia. Almost the entire city showed up to hear them in Antioch, but they were slandered, and people argued against the message of God. Such opposition has been a constant for 2,000 years.

The influencers and local power brokers often stir up mobs against Christians. The Gospel is an afront - it takes the focus from earthly gain, things of this world, to eternal treasure. The Crown of Life will always be a challenge to those who seek to gain the whole world. I wonder if it’s even possible for the millionaire preacher to make a real impact. Can those so invested in the world lose their grip on it to hold tight to God? I suppose anything is possible with God. But when you face these cold or lukewarm snakes, shake the dust from your feet and keep moving!

We see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in this passage. Believers in Jesus Christ will always be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. That, too, doesn’t change. It never will. That was the case for Paul and Barnabas in Iconium. They preached with power, and great numbers believed. But some spurned God’s message and poisoned the people’s minds against the messengers and the message. Don’t take it personally. It is a personal matter, but it is also a spiritual battle. It is God they are rejecting.

That’s the ploy of the devil. He’s creative, but his sinister strategy is consistent. He attacks God’s men and women to attack the Good News of eternal life. I love how God stepped in here. He proved Paul and Barnabas’ message was true by giving them the power to do miraculous signs and wonders. Thank you, Jesus, for stepping in! For changing lives and proving what is true. We have faith in you now, whether we see the results here on earth or not. We trust you to fight our battles for us. And to lead us to new opportunities to share the truth.

And yet, despite the miraculous signs, and changed lives, the people in this passage were still divided. That’s how it goes. The pull of the world is strong. So be it. I’m thankful that each person has free will. Our God is so Sovereign that he gives us genuine free will. God draws and warns. He guides and illuminates, tests, disciplines, and nurtures. But to provide real love, he offers real freedom of choice. No one can take from you what God gives - but make no mistake, free will allows you to shipwreck yourself to fall away. We are warned in the Bible to stay true to God. Warnings are not given without reason.

Lord God, you want people to come to you. You don’t demand it, but you show the truth. You provide the way of salvation. And the evidence each of us needs for faith in you.

Please do that today. Please use signs and wonders and help your messengers. Help us speak clearly, preach boldly, and love sincerely - even nobly, like you, dear King. Please help those who love You today - step in with your strong hand and supernatural powers. Amen.

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