1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17
Acts 23:11-35
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 18:14-15
Have you ever gotten ridiculed for doing the right thing? Or, made fun of for your beliefs? Or, perhaps even rejected for your beliefs?
Imagine being Paul, who was doing his absolute best to spread the good news only to be ridiculed by the Sadducees for his belief in Christ. So much so that he had to be escorted to protection by a Roman guard during a dispute with the Chief Priests. During all this commotion, however, Paul receives a key message from the Lord. The message must have comforted him by telling him that he had nothing to worry about. It might have also told Paul that his job in Jerusalem was being executed well, but that he still had to carry out the message into Rome.
"Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." ACTS 23:11
Now, this message was coming directly from the Lord. How much more comforting can that be? It's almost as if He was telling Paul "You are doing great, don't worry about them. Your mission is incomplete, but you will complete it when you get to Rome…" It's also as if He was telling Paul "Don't worry, I have your back." How great of a relationship Paul must have had with the Lord to hear this message amidst all this commotion. When everything was turning against Paul, he quickly turned to the Lord and relied on His promises to get him through.
Now, what if you put that mentality into your own personal life? How amazing would it be if you can carry on spreading the good news to those you come across without having the fear of rejection or ridicule? It's much easier said than done. But having heard about scenarios and seen it first hand shows me that something as simple as praying for a stranger can be accepted. When it is accepted, it has the power to change that person's life for the better.
Paul had faith in the Lord after hearing this message. We, as followers of Christ, should also be like Paul and maintain a high level of faith to get us through scenarios where we feel uncomfortable. A high faith will motivate us to continue doing God's work and showing love to others even in the midst of hardship.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the examples you provide us in the Bible. Allow us to reflect on these examples in a prosperous way and motivate us to continue sharing the good news with those around us. Whether it's a small act of kindness, an in-the-moment prayer, or some other way of showing your love to others, allow us to remember your promises to carry us forward.
Amen
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