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May 24, 2014

The gospel speaks of the hatred of the world. “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. You see, it’s nothing personal, but it gives you an idea of what life has in store for you when you choose to follow Christ Jesus. Because, to live a life awash with Christian values is to live in such a way as to be contrary to societal motivations, dictates and personal agenda. It is to live apart from what is considered acceptable by the world. If we live our lives guided by our love and faith in Jesus, we will be persecuted by the “world.” Maybe we won’t be literally stoned for how we live and what we believe, but we will be judged, criticized or even shunned for who we follow. Yet, even in so knowing, why do some people persist in following Jesus Christ? Why would we subject ourselves to society and risk persecution at all? Why? In that “we love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) In short, even though we know that following Jesus Christ may be filled with hatred and persecution; we persevere, because we are loved.

Points for reflection: Have you experienced being judged, persecuted or ridiculed for your religious beliefs? Think about those instances when you were ridiculed or criticized for your faith and remember how it made you feel. If yes, do you still believe in Jesus Christ? Why?

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

<< Saturday, May 24, 2014 >>

Acts 16:1-10
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Psalm 100:1-3, 5

John 15:18-21
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THE MISSING PIECE

"Come over to Macedonia and help us." —Acts 16:9

Today begins the "we" section of the Acts of the Apostles. When Paul and his companions were prevented from going to Asia and Bithynia, Luke, the author of Acts, uses the pronoun "they" (Acts 16:6, 7). Then "they came down to Troas" (Acts 16:8). The missionaries were encountering closed doors and were seemingly wandering about aimlessly.

At Troas, "Paul had a vision" (Acts 16:9). There the team found the open door, leading to Macedonia. In Troas, they suddenly received vision, discernment, and direction (Acts 16:10). What made the difference?

In Troas, Luke joined the missionary team. Notice that the pronoun "we" is used beginning in Acts 16:10 and continuing throughout a good portion of the rest of Acts. Before Luke arrived, the mission was floundering. After Luke arrived, the door was opened to bring the gospel to Europe for the first time.

Luke is never mentioned in Acts as performing any noteworthy service. He is simply "with" Paul (see 2 Tm 4:11). Luke quietly used his spiritual and natural gifts, and that led to an open door. Luke was chosen by God to play this role (see Jn 15:19).

How about you? Are you a Luke? Is there a ministry, community, or vocation for which you are the missing piece? Pentecost is rapidly approaching. Pray diligently for docility to the Holy Spirit and discernment in all the areas of your life. May "the Spirit of Jesus" (Acts 16:7) fix you "like a peg in a sure spot" (Is 22:23).

Prayer: Father, thank You for preparing a life of good deeds for me in advance (Eph 2:10). May I joyfully complete all of them.

Promise: "I chose you out of the world." —Jn 15:19

Praise: For years, Mary tried to be a good person and do good works, but it wasn't until the Holy Spirit touched her heart and showed her Jesus as Savior that she had empowerment beyond imagining.