Hello,
As I have been reading through part of Acts lately, I was
looking at the challenges faced by Paul, Barnabas, Peter and many other early
church leaders. While nothing new, Jesus experienced this as well, these people
faced some of the stiffest opposition from the home crowd. We often think of
operating at home to be our advantage – and talk about that the most perhaps
when it comes to sports. We expect locality to automatically equate to support.
But, as we look to share the work of Christ and challenge others to accept Him this
just is not true.
Acts 12:1-3 “Now about that time Herod the king laid
hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them. And he had
James the brother of John put to death with a sword. When he saw that
it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was
during the days of Unleavened Bread. ” (NASB)
Acts 13:44-46 “The next Sabbath nearly the whole city
assembled to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw
the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting
the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. Paul and Barnabas
spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to
you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal
life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.” (NASB)
As I was reading 2 things about these challenges came to
mind: 1) When we ask those who identify with us (locality or otherwise) to
change and follow God it challenges everything inside of them – be ready for
that challenge! 2) Everywhere on this earth is like playing in a visitor role –
our real home field will be in heaven - these challenges are not unique to any
one place or person.
But the challenges are worth it. James paid for it with his
life, as did ultimately all of the disciples. What that meant for them was
going to their home, and the opportunity to have eternal influence on many
people – not just a temporary influence. Temporary influence is easy to have,
not really challenged and not maintained…eternal influence gets the challenge, because
it is maintained. One could argue that I shouldn’t call it eternal influence,
but rather eternal impact.
Have a blessed day, I pray this challenges and motivates all
of us.
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