ODB: the heart of the gospel
August 10, 2009 READ: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed. —2 Corinthians 3:18 When E. Stanley Jones, well-known missionary to India, had the opportunity to meet with Mahatma Gandhi, he asked a searching question of India’s revered leader: “How can [...]
ODJ: calm in the crowd
My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for . . . the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God (20:24).
READ: Acts 19:23-34
If TV cameras had existed in the first century AD, they would have swarmed all over the mob scene described in Acts 19. An angry crowd had gathered in Ephesus to clamor for the head of Paul. For he had “persuaded many people that handmade gods [weren’t] really gods at all” (v.26).
The metal workers of Ephesus made a good living by selling images of Artemis, who was also known as Diana. And the whole city took Paul’s “irreverent” theology rather personally. But the bold apostle didn’t see the crazed crowd as menacing; he saw it as a mission field. In verses 30 and 31 we read that Paul actually tried to appear before the people. He was stopped by friends who cared for him.
Why would Paul want to speak to that senseless horde? Look ahead to Acts 20. Once again, we see Paul plunging into a dangerous situation (vv.22-23). He said, “Jail and suffering lie ahead.” But he added triumphantly, “My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (v.24).
Paul’s disregard for his own life was tied securely to his knowledge that he would continue running his race until it was over. Whether he crossed the finish line that day in Ephesus, or finished the race in Jerusalem, it mattered little to him. The mob was an audience to whom he could give the gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ.
Paul wasn’t afraid of the rule of the mob, because Jesus reigned in his heart. Are you willing to give the gospel of the grace of God to even one individual today? —Tim Gustafson
Do you avoid confrontation, or do you see it as an opportunity to speak out for God? How are you affected by people who mock your faith?
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