Go Tell it on the Mountain That Jesus Christ is Born

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 13:44-52

 

Acts 13:46

And 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 and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

(ESV)

 

While this Christmas may be absent of many traditions like large gatherings together, live nativity scenes, and kids able to sit on Santa’s lap, there is one thing no one can take away, God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) and would later die for the sins of humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8).  If you must stay home this Christmas, do not be depressed but instead rejoice for Christ our savior is born.  The song The Little Drummer Boy gives the perspective of Christmas from the eyes of a little boy with only one thing to offer, playing his drum.  Please take a moment to watch this video from For King and Country and let it bring joy to your heart. 

 

While the message of the Gospel is one bringing hope, especially during challenging times, not everyone accepts the message of hope that Jesus, our Savior was born on Christmas morning.  After a warm reception of the message of the Gospel from the word of the Lord the previous Sabbath (Acts 13:42-43), a crowd has gathered to hear Paul and Barnabas speak again (Acts 13:44).  However, instead of excitement over the large crowd about to enter the synagogue, the Jews are full of jealousy (Acts 13:45).  Things get contentious when Paul and Barnabas boldly declare to the Jews that they needed to declare the word of the Lord to them first because they would thrust it aside (Acts 13:46), making themselves unworthy of eternal life.  For that reason, they turn their attention to the Gentiles, as part of taking the Gospel to the nations (Acts 13:47; Isaiah 49:6; Matthew 28:19-20). 

 

The Gentiles are joyful and glorify the word of the Lord with many becoming believers (Acts 13:48-49).  The jealous Jews, however, become angry, inciting the devout women and men of high standing in the city, bringing persecution upon Paul and Barnabas, driving them out of the district (Acts 13:50).  Paul and Barnabas react by shaking off the dust from their feet, indicating they are not affected by the persecution (Acts 13:51).  However, they leave the disciples filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52). 

Paul and Barnabas show obedience to God with their willingness to begin with sharing the word of the Lord with the Jews, knowing they will reject it.  They then turn to minister to the Gentiles in obedience to the great commission to share the Gospel with everyone, making disciples of the nations (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) knowing this will further anger the jealous Jews.  Paul and Barnabas also provide an example of how the Church should handle persecution.  Instead of giving in, Paul and Barnabas shake off the persecution (Acts 13:51), leaving the disciples filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.  The persecution also leads to the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:47; Isaiah 49:6).  Salvation is not just for the Jews but something God wants for all humanity. 

 

A divided world needs unification but for unification to occur, there must be a unifying message and force.  These divisive times are an opportunity for the Church to demonstrate unity by unifying around the message of the word of the Lord, presented under the power of the Holy Spirit,  The challenge for the Church is will it be willing to put aside its petty doctrinal differences and unify around the fact that Jesus came to the world, to save the world through His death, and gave us the Holy Spirit to present the life-changing message of the Gospel.  Please listen to this video from Zach Williams and let it encourage you to declare that Jesus Christ is born and wants to give everyone eternal life. 

 

Anyone reading this that has not prayed to have their sins forgiven and accept Jesus as their Savior, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me, 

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I want to thank everyone for reading this Bog and wish every reader a Merry Christmas, celebrating the birth of our savior.  I also want to encourage everyone to pray for strength and guidance in facing the challenges sure to come in 2021 remembering God will be with us.  May God bless everyone reading this post.