This dude is what we would probably classify in our world as over the top, a fanatic that needs some meds or something. Get off the caffeine, stop the energy drinks, that is not the way to reach people for Christ.
I find it interesting that as we see people like PAUL in our world today we always question their motives, but when we read about him in the NT, were like this dude is awesome.
I get it, he was not ashamed to proclaim truth to anyone or at any place, he never seemed afraid; or at least he didn't admit his fear, whenever he went into a city it was different when he left. This guy is a hero!
But why is it when someone in today's world has the same zeal as Paul, we question his sanity?
Is it because it reveals our lack of zeal?
Is it because we like to be comfortable?
Or is it because we know this is how we should live, but were not, so it is much easier to criticize; taking the heat off myself?
Acts 14:19-20 says, "They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city."
Wherever you at today, gather people around you, get up, and do what God has called you to do. It is not to late, it is not over, the fat lady has not sung! God is still on the Throne!
Paul and Barnabas were some amazing guys. Their responses varied wherever they went but there was ALWAYS a response. They lived too loudly for people not to notice. The responses many times weren't favorable, but they were undeterred. In verse 20, we read that Paul is stoned and in verse 21 (the next day) they are leading many others to Jesus!
ReplyDeletePaul could have retired after the stoning, but there was too much at risk and too much to live for to quit the fight. They truly believed that Jesus was the answer and they lived like it. This put them in danger often, but it also made them dangerous. This is very encouraging to me and challenges me to not just exist with knowledge of the Truth, but to live life differently as a result.