CTG 0043

 

Holy Spirit-inspired compassion and courage  

Enabled by the Holy Spirit Jesus performed incredible acts of kindness. He taught the words of God his Father to those who came to listen. And he trained those who were close to him to continue his work. But there were members of his family who said that he was "out of his mind." 

Scribes (teachers of religious law and traditions) travelled from Jerusalem to where Jesus was in Galilee. After assessing his Holy Spirit-anointed ministry they said that it was the prince of demons who enabled him to deliver those who were demonized, claiming he was possessed by an unclean spirit. A strange conclusion to come to. 

Jesus prepared his followers. He told them that they too would be maligned for his name's sake. 

While in custody, Paul had the opportunity to share the gospel and his experience with Herod Agrippa II and others who were present. Festus, the Roman procurator of Palestine, shouted: "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind (Acts 26:24 ESV)." Paul answered: "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words (Acts 26:25 ESV)." 

Herod Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod I. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Herod I, in a jealous rage, ordered the slaughter of all male children in the vicinity who were two years old and younger, in an attempt to kill him. Herod Antipas imprisoned and ordered the death of John the Baptist. And together with his soldiers he treated Jesus with contempt and mocked him, before Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. Herod Agrippa I (Herod I's grandson) killed the apostle James and imprisoned Peter. 

In spite of the Herodian dynasty's history, Paul sought to win Herod Agrippa II for Christ. And notwithstanding Festus's insulting accusation, Paul expressed his desire that Festus, and everyone else who was listening to his witness, would become a christian. 

We need to stay focussed on the fact that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. All of us have sinned in one way or another. And we all need God's grace, mercy and forgiveness. 

Following Jesus's birth Simeon took him into his arms, prayed to God and gave thanks that "my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples (Luke 2:30-31 ESV)." Simeon then proceeded to tell Mary that there would be opposition. 

Paul's encouragement to Timothy was: "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you ... for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (a sound mind KJV). Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God ... (2 Timothy 1:6 ESV)." 

Wherever we may be and whatever circumstances we may be facing, may God give us the strength, courage, love and Holy Spirit-enabling to faithfully declare the message of salvation, boldly, compassionately and without compromise. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16 ESV)."

Jesus said: "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you (John 20:21 ESV)." 

Thanking God for the opportunity of communicating his love across the nations via the internet, especially at the present time. 

FOR FURTHER READING 

Mark 3:20-36 

John 10:20-21 

Matthew 10:16-42 

2 Corinthians 5:11-15 

Matthew 5:11-12 & 43-48 

Romans 8:18 & 12:14-21 

1 Peter 1:6-13 & 4:12-16 

Acts 26:1-29 

Matthew 2:1-18 

Matthew 14:1-12 

Luke 23:1-24:53 

Acts 12:1-24 

Romans 3:21-26

Luke 2:1-38

2 Timothy 1:1-14 

Hebrews 4:12-13

Acts 4:1-31

Acts 1:8 

John 3:16-18 

John 20:21-23 

Acts 7:54-60 & 9:1-31 

1 Timothy 1:12-17