Seemed like a tough couple of weeks for Paul and Barnabas.
The story is in Acts 13:15-52
The two apostles preached a really good sermon about God’s promise to send a messiah, Jesus, who was raised from the dead, offered forgiveness of Sins and a hope for the future.
But some of the religious people didn’t like their message and tried to put a stop to it, using devout men and women of the area to raise a stink.
The passage is clear, it was the good people doing the persecution. Rejection from bad people is expected but from those trusted to live right?
But it didn’t bother Paul and Barnabas, they just moved on to the next town. Neither did it bother the new converts, Acts 13:52 said they were “filled with Joy and the Holy Ghost”.
This is the focus of today’s “Joyful Monday”.
We all want to be appreciated, especially by those we value. But JOY must be found elsewhere than acceptance from people, even good people.
Joy comes from a personal relationship with Jesus and is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Martin Luther, from back in the 1500’s, wrote these Lyrics,
“The Spirit and the gifts are ours; through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!” (“A Mighty Fortress is Our God”)
Full surrender to Christ and living in the Holy Spirit is where JOY invades.
Patrikin - Kinship through The Father 