|
God manifested Himself in a mighty way to the Israelites at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:16ff), speaking to them both directly and through Moses, and giving them the Ten Commandments. Yet within a short time, they abandoned Him to worship a golden calf (Ex 32:1ff). Jesus spoke to the Israelite people of the kingdom of God in parables (Mt 13:10), discourses (Mt 5:1ff), and in signs and wonders. Though Jesus gave them God's Word, they soon abandoned and crucified Him. Jesus has sent us out to spread the message of His kingdom. The bad news is: if people won't listen to the Father, the Son, and Moses, why will they listen to us? The good news is that God wants them to listen to us, and He backs us up. God backed up Moses by appearing publicly in power in the dense cloud so they might "have faith in" Moses (Ex 19:9). He continues to back up with power all who proclaim His Word (Mk 16:15, 17). Therefore, don't focus on the reception you get when you spread God's Word. Focus instead on the certain knowledge that God is with you, backing you up. "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for" God is "with you" (Acts 18:9-10). |
