Let Nothing Stop You From Spreading The Gospel
BRD REFLECTIONS
Acts 28 and Psalm 119:65-96 (NIV)
(Tony Tng, Chairperson, Missions)
READ:
Acts 28 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In this last chapter of the Book of Acts, we were given a quick run through of the last leg of Paul’s journey to Rome to stand trial in front of the Roman ruler. During the entire journey, under the escort of Roman guards, Paul never at any time, wallowed in sadness, hate, injustice nor lamented that he was unfairly treated even as he faced storms and shipwreck. Never did he complain that God had forgotten or abandoned him. On the contrary, Paul continued to let God use him for His work.
In Malta, God used Paul to perform signs and wonders. The first miracle was God sustaining Paul after the bite from the venomous viper. The natives were so awed that they recognised Paul as an extraordinary person. Although it was not recorded for us, I believe that Paul would have taken the opportunity to tell them of the resurrected Christ and His power.
The second miracle was the healing of Publius’ father who was ill with fever and dysentery. Thereafter, Paul healed many sick people on the island. As a result, Paul was showered with honours and they stayed 3 months until winter was over for them to set sail. Again, I believe that Paul would have taken the opportunity to tell the natives in Malta about the resurrected Christ.
Fast forward and Paul arrived in Rome. While under house arrest, Paul continued to testify about the risen Christ and the Kingdom of God using the scriptures and the Law of Moses. He called together the Jewish leaders and began to teach them about the salvation offered to those who believe in Christ. Some believed and others protested. While the outcome may not be ideal but Christianity has gained more followers. This outcome is not unexpected for, as Isaiah prophesied, when the word of God is preached, there will be some whose hearts will be hardened, whose ears will not hear and whose eyes cannot see (Isa 6:9-10). For 2 years, while grounded under house arrest, Paul never stopped teaching, preaching and testifying about the risen Christ and the kingdom of God.
APPLY:
While the Book of Acts ended at chapter 28, it is not the end but the beginning. The next chapter of Acts has and will be written by Christians that come after the early church which would be you and I. The message of hope in Christ cannot be stopped from reaching the unreached under any and all circumstances. Whether it be in times of pain, hurt or difficulties, we need to emulate Paul to turn the circumstances that we are facing into an advantage for Christ. Paul never let his house arrest, shipwreck, bitten by a venomous viper nor the hostile Jews to stop him from testifying for Christ. We need to look at the special circumstances that we are in from the perspective of God and allow God to use us as an instrument for His purpose. For 2 years under house arrest, Paul never allowed the situations he faced to stop him from testifying about the resurrected Christ.
Return to the 21st century. What have we done during the 2 years of the Covid19 pandemic? Did we use the opportunity to give hope in Christ to those who were affected by the pandemic? To those who suffered mental stress because of the many rounds of safe distancing measures and cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel, did we offer them the hope that can be found in Christ? Perhaps, some did while others cowered in fear and lost that opportunity to share Christ.
In the last 2 years, I continue to be involved with the ministry through Missions Committee. While I cannot go on Missions trips, together with others we took advantage of digital technology to engage and enable our field partners to continue their ministry. We equipped our field partners and developed deeper relationship while partnering them in ministry. Ministry continues and the love of Christ continues to be spread. We continue to write the next chapter of Acts. Would you be joining me to write the Book of Acts for the glory of our risen Lord?
DO:
I will not stop sharing about Jesus to those who have yet to hear of the hope that can be found in Him. Difficult circumstances will not be my stumbling blocks.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, the author of life. You give life to all who come to Your Son, Jesus Christ. You commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations but our sinful self often find excuses to avoid testifying of Your goodness. Forgive us for our disobedience. Help us to be courageous to seize every opportunity to speak of Christ even when the going seems tough. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
