Acts_28

Scripture 

Acts 28:24

Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

Observation - What does it say?

Paul arrived in Rome and called together the local Jewish leaders for a meeting where he spoke to them about Jesus. As a result, some were convinced but others weren’t.

Understanding - What does it mean?

When we share about Jesus with people, not everyone will be convinced. But that doesn’t mean we don’t share. If we share, we will get rejected. However, it’s not something to be afraid of or even discouraged by when it happens! 

Luke 6:22-23a

22 Blessed are you when people hate you,    when they exclude you and insult you    and reject your name as evil,        because of the Son of Man.

23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.

Jesus was clear that we are actually rewarded every time we are rejected. When we share with people and they believe in Jesus, there is no greater joy! But even when we are rejected we can still count it a joy because a deposit was just made in our heavenly bank account. 

Life Application

Just share! 

Lately, God has been stirring in my heart to share with strangers on the street and to pray with people I see who have injuries. And I know I’m not the only one! At our “Do What He Did” class last week, several people in our church went out to share and pray for people at the mall and they came back with great testimonies! They experienced rejection by some, but others got impacted by God and experienced his love and healing power! 

God, fill us with boldness to share. And even though some will reject us, we hold to the promise that the fields are white for harvest! We know we encounter people every day who are ripe for an encounter with you, ripe to surrender their lives to you. You are on the edge of your seat, excited to move in their lives and it’s up to us to just be obedient. Please help us to step out of our comfort zones and to go for it. Amen!

- Levi Thompson