The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders
incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city.
They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from
their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went
to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 13.49-52)
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We sometimes thing about the book of Acts as the golden age of Christianity. And in some ways it was. Yet even then, the Jesus-followers had to deal with mixed results. I don't know why, but this gives me hope, especially when my own endeavors end with less than total success.
In Pisidian Antioch Paul and Barnabas foster a great deal of excitement about the Jesus message. Yet their stay ends with them getting kicked out of town by some angry women (see verse 50 for proof that this is not a sexist comment :) ).
Yet even in the midst of mixed results, the disciples are filled with joy (vs.52).
Take heart this morning that we can find joy in God, even when our own plans do not always go exactly ‘as planned’?
When and how have you experienced this?
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