Paul preaches Christ on the sabbath
After Paul and Silas had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three sabbath days argued with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This is the Messiah, Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you." Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews became jealous, and with the help of some ruffians in the marketplaces they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. While they were searching for Paul and Silas to bring them out to the assembly, they attacked Jason's house. When they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some believers before the city authorities, shouting, "These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has entertained them as guests. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus." The people and the city officials were disturbed when they heard this, and after they had taken bail from Jason and the others, they let them go.
DEVOTION
"These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has entertained them as guests. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus."Don't you just love the above quote! The Christians were actually accused of "turning the world upside down!"
How I wish people were making similar claims today! Wouldn't it be grand if in cities, states, and/or countries around the world people began to take notice of the life-changing work of Christians all over the world?
Wouldn't it be grand if people were talking about all of the ways that Christians were speaking truth to power, declaring Jesus as Lord, stirring up discussions about faith, and causing people to look to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith?
In some places, people are saying these things; but in many others--particularly in the United States--I fear that we have not been as bold about sharing the good news because we take our religious freedoms for granted.
When was the last time you laid it all on the line for Jesus? When was the last time you took a real risk while sharing the good news? How is it that you're willing to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel?
Paul and Silas were willing to give their very lives to bring Jesus to the hearts and minds of the people whom they encountered.
I pray that we would also feel so compelled to declare the good news that Jesus lived, died, and rose again on the third day to forgive our sin and gift us with eternal life!
When people get a-hold of this good news some will turn away, but MANY MORE men, women, boys, and girls will be persuaded that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world!
We must not be afraid to hold up the blood stained banner of Christ and to declare with boldness, "Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ shall come again!"
Let's pray: O God! Please let someone say that I have turned the world upside down for you! I want to be bold and fearless as I declare the good news about Jesus. Please make me unashamed in my proclamation and help me to be willing to risk all of the sake of the cross. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
INVITATION
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