Acts 13:51-52 (NIV) So they shook the dust from their feet in protest
against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with
joy and with the Holy Spirit.
What a curious couple of
verses. It is written how the Jews would shake the dust off their feet
when leaving a Gentile town on the way back to their own land. This seems like
a way to stick noses in the air and say, “We are better than you.” Similar
to the childhood practice of flinching when touched by an undesirable in fear
of catching cooties.
Jesus had instructed his
followers not to waste time on those who rejected the Good News. "And if any place will not welcome you
or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony
against them." (Mark 6:11) Words like these give me a sense of relief
when sharing my story with someone. My only obligation is to tell of God
and His ways. The Holy Spirit's job is to soften the heart. My work is
done once I have presented the message of Jesus and His Good News.
The real
lesson for this writer comes in the next verse.
“…the disciples were
filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Regardless the way things turn
out, whether or not our person comes to believe, we still hold on to our
joy. The Holy Spirit is present for us
no matter the outcome. The joy we
discovered as Believers is not affected.
We might feel sad or experience regret for the loss of a soul, but our
own salvation is still intact.
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