Yesterday I started with a 6:45 am hospital visit, and then drove to Columbia with Bob Casady for the Bishop’s peer mentoring group. I drove home with Matt Kerner, reflecting together on the presentation we heard about the way Church of the Shepherd is training young leaders. Last night I convened the second meeting of the Wesley Building Study committee and introduced Rusty as chair. After arriving home I changed the oil in the LHS.
Acts 17
Continuing Paul’s second missionary journey, he comes to Thessalonica and for three weeks he went to the synagogue of the Jews and reasoned with them, “explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying ‘this Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.’” (Verses 2-3) Some were persuaded to join Paul and Silas, and others became jealous and raised a mob in the market place to cause trouble for Paul and Silas.
The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, where “they received the word with great eagerness, examining the scriptures daily…” (Verse 11). But the Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea and stirred folks up, resulting in Paul being taken to the coast for his protection. While in Athens, he gets involved with those who spent their time “telling or hearing something new” (verse 21). He stood up in the Areopagus and made a great speech (Verses 22-31). Some believed, some said they would hear him another day.
As I read a chapter a day from Acts, I am mindful of the intentional ministry of Paul, which involved teaching, debating, and navigating through jealousy, politics, and the daily adventure of seizing opportunities as they arouse. Guide me today most holy Lord as I follow you in every way in the ministry of pastoral leadership here in Springfield.
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