In Acts 13:50-51, Paul and Barnabas were in a city called Pisidian Antioch (which today is an area in west-central Turkey), and it was there that they were preaching the gospel in the local synagogue. At first, things went really well! Many Jews and Gentiles were excited about what they heard and wanted to learn more.
But the next Sabbath, when Paul spoke again, a big crowd showed up. And that’s when problems started. Namely jealously. You see, some Jewish leaders couldn’t handle seeing the people’s attention shift to Paul’s message about Jesus. So they started arguing and stirring up trouble, openly opposing what Paul was saying. And eventually, it got pretty ugly.
They influenced the city’s leaders and some prominent women to turn against Paul and Barnabas. Now, having a few men upset with you is one thing. But when you get a group of women fired up and ready to go to war? You better head for higher ground! Paul and Barnabas were harassed, slandered, and finally kicked out of town.
But instead of fighting back or forcing their way in, Paul and Barnabas did something symbolic: they shook the dust off their feet (a sign that they had done their part); the message was given, but the people rejected it. Then they moved on to the next city, Iconium. And verse 52 is just as important! “And the disciples were filled with joy and filled with the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 13:52 NIV).
Paul and Barnabas shared the truth, faced rejection, and didn’t let it bother or consume them. They set a boundary. When the door closed, they didn’t keep banging on it. They trusted God to open another one and moved on.
Currently I’m in a situation where I feel like I’m banging on a closed door. To be honest, I feel like I’ve been banging on this door for a while now. And it’s been eating at me. I guess you could say I’ve even allowed it to consume me. Because deep down, I have this really unique ridiculous thought that God has given me the ability to fix just about anyone or to resolve just about any situation. IF THEY WOULD ONLY LET ME! And then… when it becomes apparent that I can’t fix the person or fix the situation, I do the only natural thing I can do in that situation – which is take it personally. LOL…
So in my study this afternoon, I came across this passage about Paul and Barnabas while reading the Book of Acts. I can’t possibly tell you how much I needed to read/see/hear that, and then to confess that! I feel so much better already!
This particular situation will work itself out, one way or the other. I’ve officially stepped off the porch stoop and shaken the dust off my feet. It’s time to move on. Let go of it, give it to God, and reclaim the joy that was sacrificed along the way. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for speaking to me today.
Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 