Focus
Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.
Read
Acts 17:1-9 (NRSV)
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.
Reflect
People who are native to the United States cannot imagine being taken before a judge for believing in and sharing that Jesus Christ lives as our Lord and Savior. However, in many countries, people are killed for proclaiming that Jesus is Lord or even for believing in him.
Over two thousand years after Jason was dragged before the city authorities, humans are still hating, torturing, and killing because others believe differently. Snuffing out another culture, faith, or heritage is not going to smother a person’s heart. When God is present and conviction or belief occurs, that person will be transformed.
Let’s not get caught up with the unkindness and the unbelief in our world. Let’s do all that we can to see the good and to act it out in every instance of our life’s…who knows we might start a new trend!
Pray
Dear Jesus, please renew our faith in you. Help us to look for the good in others. Amen.
Go with God.
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