Acts 13:44-51 – Open Your Mouth

Read Acts 13:44-51

Not everyone will follow Christ and be saved. That can be a hard pill to swallow because we know God doesn’t want anyone left behind. Yet, when you have tried and given a good effort and they still don’t see, you have to move on and not let it bother you. As they did while leaving Antioch, shake the dust off their feet. Even Jesus had said it’s okay when you have done your best and there is still opposition. Just let them be.

Because God doesn’t want anyone left behind, you can be sure you won’t be the last one to come into contact with those “stubborn” ones. You have planted a seed of faith. The Holy Spirit will swoop in and help it to grow by other means. What is important is that we go and do. We must open our mouths and share the Gospel. The believing is up to God’s intervention, and we may not get to see the results. Be okay with that.

In today’s passage, we see how the evil one is playing with the Jews. Jealousy is not from God. But, you may have heard God referred to as a “jealous” God. I understand this to mean God wants our undivided attention, and when we waste our time rather than spending it with him, he is disappointed. He is the supreme being, how could he be “jealous?” He is saddened when we don’t take advantage of the great promises he makes and maybe even a bit angry when we ignore him.

Jealousy leads to inappropriate actions and bad feelings. God would not be a proponent of this behavior. We also see evil manifesting itself in the Jews as they stirred up a mob to run Paul and Barnabas out of town. This ministry team had struck a nerve, and the Jews of the city had had enough. I found it interesting when Paul and Barnabas said, “But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.” “It” being the good news. There have been times in our ministry when I felt similar like I was being run out of town. That is not a good feeling, but to leave and start fresh is best.

They had intended to share with Gentiles, too, but had wanted to start with their own people, the Jews. Resistance will come, we can expect it, as well. We have the best news anyone will ever hear, but not everyone is ready to hear. That doesn’t mean we don’t speak. We have to speak all the more. But the outcome is up to the Lord.

Let’s pray. Lord fill me today with your Spirit. I am feeling a bit weak and not as perky as usual. I will rest in you, knowing you will give me the energy, the words, the direction for this day. Prepare the hearts of those who have not heard of your saving grace. Make them ready and eager to hear from you. Help me not be discouraged when faced with an opposition. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.