Tuesday 5 February, 2013

23 They decided to meet Paul on a certain day. At that time even more people came to the place where he was staying. From morning until evening, he told them about God’s kingdom and explained it to them. Using the Law of Moses and the Prophets, he tried to get them to believe in Jesus. 24 Some believed what he said. Others did not. 25 They didn’t agree with each other. They began to leave after Paul had made a final statement. He said, “The Holy Spirit was right when he spoke to your people long ago. Through Isaiah the prophet the Spirit said, 26 “‘Go to your people. Say to them, “You will hear but never understand. You will see but never know what you are seeing.” 27 These people’s hearts have become stubborn. They can barely hear with their ears. They have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes. They might hear with their ears. They might understand with their hearts. They might turn, and then I would heal them.’ (Isaiah 6:9,10) 28/29 “Here is what I want you to know. God has sent his salvation to people who are not Jews. And they will listen!” 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in a house he rented. He welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He preached boldly about God’s kingdom. No one could keep him from teaching people about the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am captured by the final words of this chapter and book: “He proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance.”

Paul has been arrested for doing exactly what he is doing here in this verse. And further, in verses 23-24, Paul earnestly tries to convince his fellow Jews, who he cared deeply about, that Jesus was their Messiah. With little effect or fruit.

Yet verse 31 tells cheapest cialis me that these things didn’t discourage Paul, or stop him from bearing witness to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.

I all too often feel restrained, restricted, and constrained in my sharing this good news of God’s Kingdom and of Jesus Christ. By our largely secular society, by peoples prejudices, and by disappointments, but Paul wasn’t – even when in chains. Simply because he knew that the Gospel that he preached and witnessed to was unstoppable.

I am encouraged. We have the most infections, compelling, hope-filled, and unstoppable message in the world.

All nations desire this joy. All nations hunger for the peace this Gospel brings to their hearts.

Oh God, give me faith to stand behind your Gospel, and stand in open, honest and respectful witness to Jesus – and see your unstoppable message spread across this world you love.

Amen.

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh