“The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside.., we are turning to the Gentiles…’
“When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. The word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. They shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
“At Iconium they entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe,.. and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel.” Acts 13:44-46,48-52; 14:1-7
The Holy Spirit swept through the region capturing new believers and unsettling the faithless. The passionate disciples lived and preached and served in such a way that no one observing was unaffected. The early church grew in response to the words and deeds of Christ’s missionaries, and so did the number and vitriol of opponents. So was the influence of God’s children and gospel power. (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)
In the rumble and rub of everyday life, we are bound to be confronted with those who take an interest in us and those who are turned off by everything we represent. Our responsibility before God is to bear His cross faithfully, doing good works and spreading salt and light so that others see and seek Him. Some will be repelled, but the Lord may draw others through our message or manner. It is up to us to heed His guidance as to where and with whom, and to be filled with His Spirit of joy. All results and salvation are His to achieve. (Matthew 5:11-16; Galatians 5:22-23; 6:9 -10; Ephesians 5:18-20; 1 Peter 3:13-16)
What about me piques a spiritual interest in people around me? Do I live and serve and interact in such a way that they see Christ and are compelled to respond? Do my words, attitudes, business practices, or treatment of others repel or draw them to Jesus? What about my outlook, demeanor, and deliberate actions could attract people to consider the cross, and cause a spiritual reckoning? All such obedience for the Christian, regardless of response, stokes continued passion and joy.
Lord, help me live and love in such a way that others seek and love You.
As the rain and snow 