Scripture: Acts 21:27-40
Some people love large crowds. Some people don’t. But large crowds can be dangerous. That’s part of the reason why there are metal detectors as you enter the doors to any sport arena. That is why there is a fire capacity limit in every building.
Paul had a large crowd of people against him that wanted to kill him. The people in the crowd thought that Paul was doing things that went against their culture and religion, and in many ways, they were right.
A scary part about a large crowd is what they call a “mob mentality.” In a mob, people don’t really know why they are yelling and why they are angry, they are just caught up in the moment with everyone else. In this moment, a police officer comes to the rescue for Paul and gets him out of harms way. Isn’t it great to see who God uses in your life to bless you?
But as Paul is being moved to safety, he asks for the opportunity to have a word with the crowd. The next chapter records the words that Paul says, but in this instance, we have to focus on the events leading up to his message.
What would you have to say to a crowd of people that wanted to kill you? What do you have to say to the group of people at work that want to see you fired? What do you have to say to the group of people on your team that don’t want you starting?
Do you see every opportunity as an opportunity to be a witness of Jesus Christ? Paul had a heart for the people in the crowd. Maybe he thought about all the people there that didn’t really know why they were there. Maybe he thought that if he used this opportunity to share the gospel with them that they could be free and God would change their life forever.
Don’t pass up opportunities to be the person God wants to use to reach people only you can reach.
