July 6, Follow the Story
The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
Acts 13:49
The above statement reflects a miracle - an absolute miracle that takes place constantly in this present day. But this becomes a miracle many followers of Jesus miss. Today, take a moment to celebrate the supernatural advancement of the Gospel. And this is happening close to you if you will but look with eyes of faith.
Follow the Story
Among many other expressions of the Gospel, the Book of Acts contains apostolic sermons, or speeches, that demonstrate the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in significant detail. One such sermon is recorded in Acts 13. Paul spoke in the Antioch Synagogue a message that encompassed Israel’s history from Egyptian captivity to the reign of King David, and onto the preaching of John the Baptist (Acts 13:16-25). Paul then described in significant detail the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord. Paul presented these details as a confrontation of the ignorance and disbelief of many of the leaders in Judaism (Acts 13:27-28). And Paul did so right in the midst of a Jewish Synagogue. But Paul did not stop with the indictments, for his purpose was to present the full message of the Gospel (Acts 13:26-39), summarized powerfully with the statement of verse 39:
“Through Him (Jesus) everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”
At the conclusion of Paul’s message something occurred that is scarcely expressed at the end of a sermon: many requested that Paul continue (13:42-43).
Pay note to the reaction of the entire crowd recorded at the close of Paul’s sermon. Many desired to hear more. In fact, the following Sabbath, most everyone in the city of Antioch showed up to hear the message proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas (13:44). The Gentiles rejoiced in the message of the Gospel, but the Jews (primarily the Jewish leaders) became jealous of Paul’s successful encounter in Antioch and began verbally attacking the apostles. The Jews then incited key leaders in the city to stir up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, forcing the apostles to leave the region (13:45-50). There was both acceptance and rejection of the apostle’s work. Paul and Barnabas “shook the dust from their feet,” and moved on to other assignments of preaching and teaching the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (13:51-14:7). But regardless of the diversity in responses, a miracle was underway.
Notice the Miracle
“The message of the Gospel spread throughout the entire region” (13:49). This is a significant spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ inspired in part by the diligent teaching of the apostles in Antioch. The “entire region” likely includes Phrygia, Lycaonia, and Galatia. Consider that each town in that region was no longer wholly given to idolatrous worship, or even to living by weekly observances in the synagogue. Instead, many people, sometimes entire towns, were won to faith in Jesus Christ and began following our Lord. In the larger context of Paul’s sermon in Antioch, do not miss the microcosms of the gospel advancement in specific areas throughout the region. Precious individual lives once given to idolatry or lifeless religious observances came to faith in Jesus, and thus spiritually alive.
This is and always has been the miracle of the Gospel. And when God’s people are faithfully communicating the story of Jesus, lives are changed. Scarcely do the ones preaching and teaching ever see the far-reaching results. But the results are there, nonetheless. And no communicator of the Gospel should ever be discouraged by what is not seen in response to the efforts. For, the Gospel message always brings forth fruit. Always.
Throughout the Book of Acts, and throughout the whole of the Bible, when you “follow the story -the story of Jesus Christ,” you will always notice the miracle. So today, follow the story. Join the work of the Gospel that is likely already at work in some way around you. Talk with your children at home. Teach your church small group or class with diligence. Send out that email or social media post that God has directed. Continue in the work of communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For in doing so, you are literally following the story. And, when you follow the story faithfully, there will always be a miracle of the Gospel. You may not see the full effect of your efforts. In fact, you may not see any effect. But they are there nonetheless! So, continue in the story of the Gospel. Let it come alive in you as you more deeply focus on the work of Jesus in your own life. And, then let it move out from you to others. In your way (the platform God has given you), communicate the Gospel. It could be one or thousands to whom you communicate. But communicate the Gospel faithfully. Follow the story. When we all stand together in heaven, no one will compare success stories. But what will be considered is our faithfulness to the present opportunity.
So today, communicate the Gospel. And remember that somewhere a miracle occurs because of your faithfulness.
Blessings
READ
Read Acts 13:42-52 and be filled with joy at the power of the Gospel.
