How you doin? I'm
drawn to the response of the people in the Bible. The response of the
apostles and the disciples is the most desired response. They just give
themselves completely to God and follow Jesus. The people they minister
to aren't quite as acceptable to God's word. Acts chapter 17 tells us
the response to the good news in different towns.
First is Thessalonica. Paul goes into the synagogue and tells of the good news of Jesus. "Some
of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large
number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women." (17:4)
This is a desired response or as I see it an appropriate one. To me
truth stands out. "But other Jews were
jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace,
formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s
house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the
crowd." (17:5) This is the other response. Not quite as appropriate.
There never seems to be much neutral grown. Like Jesus said in Matthew 12:30, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."
Paul and Silas move on to Barea. "Now
the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in
Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and
examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men." (17:11-12)
Here's an awesome response from noble people. They listened to Paul
tested what he was saying against the Scripture. Now this sounds very
familiar. I love listening to different people with Bible in hand. Once I
feel comfortable with a particular person, I have my Bible in hand to
read along with them more then testing them. The Thessalonians weren't
done. "But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul
was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too,
agitating the crowds and stirring them up." (17:13) Apparently bad attitudes and disbelief will travel. So on to Athens.
Athens wasn't in very good spiritual shape. "While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols." (17:16)
Paul pressed on in his preaching of the good news in the synagogue and
the market place of Athens. He faced tremendous rebuke from
philosophers. Finally Paul is in a meeting with the "Areopagus". I'm not
sure what that is, but it sounds very serious. I love what Paul says in
verse 22, "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very
religious." This is not a compliment. Paul goes on to give a
AWESOME!!!!!!! sermon to this religious group in verses 24-31. Here's
the response, "When they heard about the resurrection of
the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you
again on this subject.” (17:32) "Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed." (17:34)
I
love Paul's persistence. He is such a great example of redemption and
following Jesus. He received his anointing and participated in his
process. COME ON!!!!!!! God's word demands a response. There is no
neutral ground. I for one want to respond to Him in a way that earns
favor and grace. SAY WORD!!!!!!! Respond well to Him today.
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