Acts 11 - 4.23.25

Scripture: Acts 11:19-21

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Observation

On Sunday, Pastor Levi shared the story of Lazarus. When Lazarus became gravely ill, his sisters sent a message asking Jesus to come and heal him. But before Jesus came, Lazarus died. The sisters were upset, not understanding why Jesus hadn’t healed him before it was too late. John 11:40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Jesus called Lazarus back to life, and all those present were able to see the glory and the power of God!

In Acts, Jesus’ followers are being persecuted. I’m sure they were scared and prayed for the persecution to stop. But because of the persecution, they ended up leaving Jerusalem. And wherever they went, they took the message of Jesus with them. Can you imagine a world where the Christ followers had stayed in Jerusalem and only a chosen few heard the message of the gospel? In the beginning of Acts 11, you see that the believers thought the message of Jesus was only for the Jews. Without the impetus to leave Jerusalem, how would the world know Jesus?  

Application

Sometimes when we cry out to God, we don’t get the answer we are hoping for. It could be that what we are asking for is not good for us. It could be that the timing isn’t right. Or it could be that God has a different plan. The question is, how will we respond in the times of waiting or disappointment or heartbreak? Will we still trust that He is the all-knowing, all-powerful God who loves us beyond our ability to comprehend?

Prayer

Today I am overwhelmed by your love for me. You are a good God who loves me and wants what is best for me. It is easy to remember this when everything is good, but help me to also remember in the hard times. Spending time with you, praying, listening, and reading your word helps me to grow in my faith and strengthen my trust in you – that you are in control in all things.

- Debbie Dunn