David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 14:1-15

Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. ² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. ³ So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. ⁴ But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. ⁵ When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, ⁶ they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, ⁷ and there they continued to preach the gospel.

⁸ Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. ⁹ He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, ¹⁰ said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. ¹¹ And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. ¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, ¹⁵ “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

Treat your brothers like you treat your soccer opponents and treat your soccer opponents like you treat your brothers! That’s what I used to say to our sons. Any time they would compete (or fight) with their brothers they would not give up. I sometimes wondered if they were actually trying to hurt one another when they fought. On the other hand when it came to soccer, they would disengage all too soon. They would back away from their opponent rather than engage. Too quick to give up.

Don’t strike out on the first pitch is the more common way of expressing this sentiment. Paul and Barnabas are far from such acquiescing in that manner. They will not be deterred in bringing the message of Jesus to anyone who will listen. They will not let those who want to silence them succeed in squelching their efforts. They will not get discouraged by those who have no desire to hear their message. They know that God has prepared some hearts to receive their message, and they are intent on getting the word out to them.

When I was in college I hung out at the Lutheran Campus Center. The pastor there was faithful and gracious. He was a Barnabas – a son of encouragement. And he did not give up after I turned down his first invitation to study the teachings of the Lutheran Church. This was an adult instruction class for people who wanted to become Lutherans. (We want you to know what we teach and to know that you agree with our confession.) Nor did he give up after the second time I declined his invitation. Nor the third. Or the fourth. The fifth time he asked, I agreed.

Once we delved into the Bible’s teaching about God, Jesus, faith, and grace, I began to engage more fully. I had been non-committal to begin with. All options were open. I had been raised in a Christian home, and much of what I learned was a reaffirmation of my Christian upbringing. And every time I asked a question – even the challenging ones – he pointed me to Scripture.

Like Paul and Barnabas Pastor Lange continued to preach the gospel. Others heard and believed. My life was changed by this man of God – just as many lives were changed by Paul and Barnabas.

Perhaps there is someone in your personal orbit on whom you must not give up. Until it becomes clear that they have no desire to hear from you about God, keep preaching the gospel. And when rebuffed, what do you do? Keep on sharing the good news of Jesus.