Stoned in our day, and loving thy enemies.
“They won the crowds over to their side, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, thinking that he was dead. But when the brothers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town.” Acts 14:19-20.
Paul and is boys are preaching, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, healing folk and causing a riot amongst the peoples of Lystra, Antioch, and Iconium. Gentiles and Jews alike rise up, win over the crowds, and throw big freaking rocks at Paul until they presume he is dead. Then they drag his tattered body outside the city and dump him on the dirt road.
I can see his disciples standing around his body. Some are crying, some are in shock and probably scared. I’m sure Barnabas is praying fervently. And then Paul opens his eyes. He stands up and dusts off his tunic, and then to the astonishment of all normal men, he turns toward the gate of the city and walks back in.
And you know what the Bible says Paul does next? ”Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, [Paul said], ‘Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.’” (Acts 14:22).
PAUL! You just go boulders dumped on your body, man! Are you okay? WHERE ARE YOU GOING!? Those people just killed you! “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
Have you ever heard of such a thing? Did Paul reject those people, pray for a mighty smiting of the town, or forsake God? No. He “preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples.” (v.21).
Does this happen today? Yes.
Here is the URL to an article from the SBC about a man named Jameel in the Middle East. Read it and be encouraged, for even his trials did not turn him from the faith and his love is still strong for his enemies. http://www.sbc.net/redirect.asp?url=http://www.imb.org/. Praise Jesus for witnesses like Jameel! May we never have to be in a similar situation, but if we are, may we react the same way Paul, Stephen (Acts 7:54-60), Jameel, and Jesus did. May we pray on their behalf to God for their salvation out of love and a passion for their very souls.
Travis said,
July 26, 2007 at 10:09 pm
I’ve always been amazed at that portion of Scripture. But I’m wondering: Do you think he just got up and “dusted off his shoulders?” It just seems so me like Paul was really busted up. So maybe he had to go about within that busted up context. That makes it even more heroic. I don’t know, just something to think about.
thenaces said,
July 27, 2007 at 7:50 pm
watson, i got your gift via hank today – it’s awesome! the best part, though, was that it was wrapped in pages from your math textbook. way to man out!
good post.
cottonwoodwatson said,
July 29, 2007 at 8:18 am
The point was really to go read the SBC post.
Ed, hope it still fits the kiddo. I was trying to get that to yall before school let out last semester.
Travis said,
August 9, 2007 at 12:06 am
Haha, I know. I’m just being me. By the way, where’s the updates? I’m updating, why aren’t you?
cottonwoodwatson said,
August 12, 2007 at 8:17 pm
I am refurbishing my soap box.