As we continue through the book of Acts, it becomes clearly apparent that we must make God first in all we do. Paul and Barnabas, called by the Spirit, began their missionary journey. Every step of that journey was met with hardships; yet, there were the joys along the way. The great joy known by Paul and Barnabas was knowing that many came to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The mission, they knew was God’s mission, not their own. Therefore, when people revolted against them, they did not plead or beg with them. Instead, they would shake the dust off their feet and move on. This was a symbol that they (Paul and Barnabas) were not responsible for them nor their salvation. But the question then comes, “Are you ever Responsible for another’s salvation?”
You are called to tell them of the truth of the gospel. But if they walk away and even close the door of communication with you, you must know how to walk away yourself. Oh, yes keep them in your prayers that the seed you left will flourish one day. But that will be left in God’s hands and their choice. In fact, Paul after preaching a beautiful sermon to the Jews in Antioch of Pisidia, knew some were saved. Yet, then there were those who denied Christ, particularly after Paul preached also to the Gentiles who eagerly accepted the gospel truth.
Acts 13: 45-48
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’
(They even quoted for them Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6 as noted above.)
48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Responsible to Speak the Gospel Truth
As Paul continued to teach the gospel message to both Jew and Gentile, “the word of the Lord was published throughout the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts” (Acts 13: 49-50).
Now when they expelled them, did Paul or Barnabas plead with them? Did they choose to compromise the truth? Did they moan or feel sorry for themselves because the people “didn’t like them”? No. They instead, “shook off the dust of their feet against them and came unto Iconium.” (Acts 13:50).
Christ had said in Matthew 10: 14-16
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Paul and Barnabas kept focus. They knew that their responsibility was to preach the gospel. It was not the salvation of the people. Yet, they were joyous because of those who came to know Christ. Whatever sacrifice it took on their part and whatever perils were theirs, they marched forward with the gospel message. Because “the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 13:52).
Do You Consider Yourself Worthy of Salvation and Eternal Life?
The true dichotomy of that question. Worthiness does not come from who you are or all the good things you believe you have done. The only worthiness is that of Jesus Christ. Yet, He willingly died on the cross to bear the weight of your guilt and shame. Then, he rose again from the grave, victorious over sin and death. The only way of Salvation is to accept Him as Lord and Savior of your life, dying to self that He might live in and through you. Do you know Him?
To those who teach, you are responsible to remain true to the gospel. The harvest you might never see; but keep on preaching and teaching the truth.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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When You Step Forward for God and Satan Attacks
What Characteristics Really Define a Missionary?
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.