Taking Risks

Readings:
I Chronicles 25
Acts 14:1-7

Focus:
Acts 14:1-3a: "At Iconium they went together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke to such purpose that Jews and Greeks in large numbers became believers. But the unconverted Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the Christians. So Paul and Barnabas stayed on for some time, and spoke boldly and openly in reliance on the Lord."

It's amazing to me that when opposition to Paul and Barnabas arises, what do they do? I would expect that they would lie low or get away from there. But instead they stay where they are for quite a while, and continue to speak out, and do so boldly.

It is something for me to remember, that when people are opposed to the Christian message, that I can choose between backing down, not making ripples, but never telling them the life-giving message, or risking offending them and then perhaps telling them what could save their eternal lives. Paul and Barnabas took the risk.

An Introduction

Readings:
I Chronicles 17
Acts 9:23-43

Focus:
Acts 9:27:"Barnabas, however, took him and introduced him to the apostles."

Barnabas is another man like Ananias from yesterday's readings. In Jerusalem, all the Christians are afraid of Saul, since he had not so very long ago been arresting Christians. Now he says he's one of them, but they don't trust him.

Barnabas, however, takes Saul in hand and shows the rest of the disciples that Saul really is a Christian, too. After that, not only does Saul become one of the group, but he begins boldly teaching out in the open in Jerusalem.

I want to remember to be on the lookout for people like Saul, who seem to be outsiders. Maybe if I can help them become part of the group, like Barnabas did, they will turn out to be phenomenal blessings to everyone! Our smallest actions, such as helping introduce someone who needs to belong, may end up having eternal consequences.