Today’s Reading:
ACTS 14:1-7
“But they found out about this and fled to Lustra and Debra's Lycaonian cities and to the surrounding countries.“ (v. 6)
I laughed sarcastically the first time I read in the Bible about Elijah running up and down because of a woman called Jezebel (1 King 19:1-5). How can Elijah, a mighty prophet of the Lord, be scared off by a woman after killing hundreds of dreadful fake prophets without lifting his hands to punch them? That to me is cowardice until I understood that sometimes retreating is wisdom and maybe the will of God. A man who runs from nothing dies for nothing.
Christians are God's people, and the preacher of the gospel is God's sent. Therefore, he is expected to go all-out preaching the gospel and, with all boldness bringing them into repentance to Christ, who has cheerfully died for everyone, including the worst sinner. However, just as Christ has warned that the world who hated Him will also hate them (John 15:18), it is left for Christians to know what to do whenever they face heated hatred, especially when it is life-threatening.
In the text for consideration, Paul and Barnabas have been preaching, converting the heart of the Jews to the Lord's side. However, just as Jesus predicted, hatred began to gather among some sections of the Jews, and they were planning to maltreat and stone them to death. Unfortunately, the Apostles got to know about this plot, and rather than staying put, they ran for their lives. Retreating from the danger zone is wisdom, except God says otherwise. Christians and their preachers must understand that they cannot choose to die out of ignorance. In the face of any threat to life, the best and first defensive action may be to retreat to a safe place, just as the apostles did. At least no one will be judged as a sinner for being careful and taking safety caution. Except there is what is worthy to die for, there is no need to die. The apostle all died only when there was a worthwhile reason to die.
OLUWAFEMI SAMUEL AMORAN
Prayer:
Father, defend your interest in my life and family, in Jesus name.
Father Lord, release your fire of revival upon my life and family, in Jesus name.
Father, break with your iron rod, the tyrannies of sin, in Your Church, in Jesus name
Father, fill Your Church with Your love, in Jesus name.
We pull down and we smash against the Rock of our Salvation, every stronghold of wickedness in our nation, Nigeria, in Jesus name.
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