Scripture: Acts 14:1-13
It’s been said that our nation is more divided than ever. I haven’t been around that long so I’m not sure if I can make that statement. But I do agree that our nation, and the world, is very divided. If you think about it, there are so many things to be divided about. Some of these things include politics, technology, religion, race, and gender, just to name a few.
When it comes to the gospel, many people in Iconium believed, both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 14:1). The gospel unites people from all different backgrounds and belief systems! But the gospel also divides (Acts 14:4). The people that stood against the gospel attacked the gospel and the people who were preaching it. This spurred Paul and Barnabas to continue on in their journey.
When they came to Lystra, Paul continued to preach the gospel and heal people. One man in particular stood up on his feet and starting walking for the first time in his life (14:8-10). As a result of this miracle, the people in the town of Lystra thought Paul and Barnabas were Greek gods (14:12).
The power of the gospel will continue to work. The gospel will change people’s lives. It is the good news of Jesus Christ that saves people from their sin and frees people to live for Him. But not everyone will believe. Those that don’t believe will attack the gospel and the people who preach it. They will try to understand the reality of life change within the context of their current worldview. That is understandable.
If you are a Christian, we need to share the gospel. We need to minister to others and we will see lives changed. But we will also face opposition. Not everyone will believe right away. That is ok! In fact, it’s more than ok. When people try to understand what is going on through the lens of their old worldview (Paul and Barnabas must be our gods in flesh), you can point them to the true God (Acts 14:14-18).
One by one, a divided world will become more united as a result of your faithfulness to Jesus and sharing your faith.
