Paul’s message of the gospel of Jesus was opposed so
severely that the author said that the opposition was “abusive,” and you can
certainly see that from Paul’s response. He shook out his clothes and said to
those who were opposing the message of Jesus, “your blood be on your own head.”
Paul has a vision where the Lord speaks to him and says to
him,
Do not be afraid.
Keep speaking.
I am with you.
I marvel at this. These Jesus words are worth repeating today
to anyone who has been abused and is afraid. And has lost their voice. Jesus
sees. Jesus knows. Jesus says, “I am with you.” The abusive words hurled at
Paul, scared him and were meant for silencing him, particularly for him to stop
speaking the gospel. Jesus met Paul with even more power. First with His presence.
His kind and loving presence. And then with His words. Words of healing. Words
meant for strengthening and restoring.
My first-grade teacher called my parents in shock and joy,
because she heard me yell in delight on the playground. I was such a quiet
child, she had hardly heard me speak, let alone yell. My quiet by nature
personality was already at that tender age turning into a bit of a prison,
where I had decided to lock up my voice. And quite honestly, I feel like I have
spent most of my life perfecting my ability to muscle myself into silence. Thank goodness, concurrent
with my muscling, I have story after story in my life of the kind and loving
presence of Jesus who says the same words to me, as he said to Paul,
Do not be afraid.
Keep speaking.
I am with you.
As you hear these words of Jesus, may they cause the same
delight of a small child who cries out in happiness and joy, as they run around
and play. Jesus has called you His own.
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