Daily Devotional for Monday, March 13th

The Opposition to God’s Word

“But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still,” Acts 17:13, 14.

The one major and compelling reason why missionaries must continue to be sent is because it is God’s will. It is His method of bringing the gospel of Jesus to the world. Source: On Being a Missionary, Thomas Hale
Paul had travelled many miles to preach the gospel through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Thessalonica and now Berea. Many were being saved and baptized as the gospel was faithfully declared in these cities. But Satan had stirred up opposition to the gospel as he still does today. In Thessalonica, the religious elites roused up a group of rebels “of the baser sort” (verse 5) to oppose Paul and the work of the gospel. But Paul continued to preach.
As Paul arrived in Berea, he found receptive hearts as fertile soil. These new believers received the word readily then continued searching the Scriptures and growing in their new faith. But the same group of rebels from Thessalonica followed Paul into Berea to stir up strife in opposition to the gospel. Yet, Paul continued faithfully preaching the gospel for he knew it was the power of God unto salvation.
We must take a cue from Paul’s diligence and fervor as we shape our life plans and our daily routines. Paul exemplifies for us an honorable Christian life and a faithful gospel witness wherever he travelled, despite opposition. As critical as it is for churches to send missionaries to foreign fields. It is equally critical for every Christian to be a faithful gospel witness in our jobs and our communities.

REFLECTION: Every child of God must be a faithful witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ so that souls will be saved, and new churches will be birthed around the world.

Steven Ridings