May 24 - Great Joy in Samaria. Great Joy in Columbus.

Acts 8:1-8

So this brand new church, known in those early days as The Way, was experiencing great persecution, in large part, led by Saul, who, as we know, would soon experience a miraculous conversion. But the church was forced to flee from Jerusalem to escape death.

You would think that perhaps these early Christians would hunker down in hiding, waiting for people like Saul to get tired of harassing them. But no.  hey "preached the word wherever they went" (v. 4).  And what happened? Let's read it here in verses 6 - 8:

When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said  ?With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.  So there was great joy in that city.  

The underlining is not original in scripture. But I wanted you to be sure to notice that not only did Philip perform miracles, he backed them up with sound theology. He didn't just talk; he didn't just walk (you know the old expression, 'talk the talk and walk the walk.'). He did both. And he must have done both in a way that was caring and compassionate, because notice that there was great joy in that city.

And did you notice in what city Philip preached? Samaria. Faithful Jews despised Samaritans. They didn't worship in Jerusalem as Jews were commanded. Jews looked down on them as second-class citizens. We all know the parable of the Good Samaritan. (I would also encourage you to read John 4:1-26, about the Samaritan woman at the well and he life-changing encounter with Jesus).

There's a lot packed in these 8 verses. Here are 4 takeaways - where is God directing you this week?

1.  Persecution is not an excuse for failure to share the Good News of Jesus with others.
2.  God will use even hard times to bless us, and to bless others: Look for ways to grow in the midst of trials.
3.  No one is beyond redemption. No one. Not me, not you, not your neighbor, not someone who looks completely different from you, who doesn't share your values.
4.  There is great joy when people turn to Jesus. And we have the privilege to help others experience that joy.