Pressing on Through Persecution

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 14:19-28

 

Acts 14:21-22.

When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, ²² strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

(ESV)

 

Today is Inauguration Day in the United States.  It is a day of celebration for those whose favorite candidate becomes President but this inauguration, like many other things since Covid19, is different.  The 2020 election was contentious with continued investigations of fraud, causing many to believe the wrong person is going to becoming President today.  Please pray for civility in Washington DC today, understanding that God is in control and that the truth about the 2020 election will come out.  Until then, God’s people must pray and remain strong wearing the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). 

 

The tables have turned on Paul and Barnabas, with the crowd at Lystra that once wanted to lift Paul and Barnabas up as gods (Acts 14:11-13) now stoning Paul and leaving him for dead (Acts 14:19).  Thankfully, God was not done with Paul yet and when the crowd gathered around Paul, Paul rose up totally healed and able to go with Barnabas to Derbe (Acts 14:20).  In hindsight, we know this was good for Paul would go on to start many Churches and pen much of the New Testament of the Bible.  This passage also demonstrates the tenacity of Paul and Barnabas for they did not leave Lystra in defeat but went on to Derbe where they preached the Gospel with many becoming disciples (Acts 14:21).  Paul and Barnabas were then gutsy enough to return to Lystra, the sight of Paul’s stoning, to strengthen and encourage the disciples there, saying that through many tribulations, they must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).  Paul and Barnabas then ordained elders for the Churches in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, to provide leadership and stability for the Churches (Acts 14:23).  Despite suffering rejection (Acts 14:1-7), an attempt to make gods out of them (Acts 14:8-18), and persecution resulting in the stoning of Paul (Acts 14:19-23), Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch and report to the Church (Acts 14:24-28).  When rejected, deified, and persecuted, Paul and Barnabas did not stop but pressed on, sharing the Gospel, and making disciples as they went.

 

This first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas provides an example the Church must follow today as it faces uncertain times that could result in rejection, deification, and persecution.  The church must remain focused on its mission of sharing the Gospel and making disciples and,

 

1)      Understand the Church functions in a world that rejects God – This means the Church is engaged in a spiritual battle and must remain diligent and prepared.  This means putting on the armor of God and remaining diligent in prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18).  While we, like Christ would like all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9) we must realize there will be rejection, and as Paul and Barnabas did move on. 

2)      Avoid pride (Proverbs 16:18) - Some may place a superstar status on the Church as miracles are performed in the ministry and the world sees the good the Church does for the community.  When this occurs, the Church can either become prideful, leading to a fall or give glory to God for what he is doing through the Church.  I trust those reading this will choose the high road of giving glory to God. 

3)      Be prepared to serve Christ even if it becomes dangerous – The Apostle Paul would later write about his willingness to surrender his life for Christ, viewing it as a victory for it meant he would be with Jesus for eternity (Philippians 1:21).  Most reading this post probably have a desire to live and continue serving Christ but must also be willing to give our lives for Christ as Paul was willing to do. 

 

These are unprecedented times for the Church but Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).  The Church, which consists of the people, not the building, also has the promise that no weapon formed against it would prosper (Isaiah 54:17).  This includes the weapons of rejection, pride, and persecution.  I pray everyone reading this will remain calm this inauguration day and face the uncertainty that lies ahead by dedicating themselves to serving Christ.  For those reading this who have never accepted Jesus as their savior, I invite 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.

 

One thing will remain certain no matter what happens in 2021, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), his plans for us are for our good (Jeremiah 29:11), and Jesus will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).  May God bless and keep everyone safe that is reading this.