Unglued

Read: Acts 17:1-5
Listen: Acts 17

But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. Acts 17:5

Paul’s obedience leads him to Thessalonica, where things become entirely unglued. He heads to the synagogue and preaches the gospel. Some receive salvation, but others are stirred to anger. Riots break out across the city, causing Paul and his traveling companion, Silas, to flee. The Thessalonians who assist Paul are arrested and imprisoned. By all accounts, Paul’s missional efforts in Thessalonica have failed. Despite this perceived failure, Paul presses on. He and Silas continue to Berea, where he resumes his ministry efforts. Bereans believe in Jesus, but angry Thessalonians follow Paul and cause unrest in Berea, too. Berean believers urge Paul to flee for Athens.

We tend to think alignment with God’s plans will bring comfort and ease. Paul’s missionary journey challenges this belief. Obedience and submission to God do not exempt us from experiencing hardship and failure. Sometimes, everything seems to come unglued, even though we are following God’s lead. We can trust that God has our good in mind even when things fall apart. Unshakable faith trusts God’s hand in life’s unglued, chaotic situations and perseveres. He can use what we perceive as failure to further his kingdom and turn hearts toward him.

TODAY: Jesus promises his presence in hardship and victory over trouble. Write that promise on your heart today by memorizing John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Daniel 7-8. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note the vision of the Son of Man. Consider how Jesus identifies himself as this Son of Man (Matthew 26:63-64).