Good morning! I remember watching one of the Mission Impossible movies. Whenever something major happened that could have ended the mission and when everyone was losing focus, the main character said, “stick to the mission.” Sisters and brother, the Lord is saying, “stick to the mission.” Today we will begin our reading in Acts chapter seventeen. This chapter shows Paul and Silas journeying from Philippi to Thessalonica.

Bible verse

” Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. ² As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. ³ He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” ⁴ Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.^[a]“ – Acts 17:1-4 NLT

Reflection

As many of the disciples and apostles before, Paul and Silas began teaching in the synagogue bringing the Good News to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. This portion of their journey is also alluded to in:

• Philippians 4:15-16 – financial support
• 1 Thessalonians 2:9 – Paul’s manual labor
• 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 – Paul’s manual labor
• 1 Thessalonians 1:9 – Gentiles state of being when Paul met them.

The Key:

• Sisters and brothers, many heard the Good News and believed.
• Stay on the journey.

Paul and Silas did not give up or grow complacent in their circumstances. They kept moving on in the mission. They also did not get side tracked by the actions or dismissal from the previous town.

There may be times in our lives when we will want to quit or we find ourselves stuck in our situation or circumstance(s), but these men are examples to us all that there will be unjustice treatment, people against us and/or Christ, but we are called to stand firm in what we believe. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous.^[c] Be strong. ¹⁴ And do everything with love.” We are called to be examples to others, pointing others to Christ – the one who is with us through our situations and circumstances.

Sisters and brothers, what are you struggling with today? Whatever it is do not lose sight of God while you are on this journey. Keep your eyes 👀 focused on the Jesus our Savior, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Lord of all. He is with you and will be with you as you walk through this time. Stick to the mission.

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for your love and grace in our lives. We thank you for continuing to point out that you came for all (the Jews, Gentiles – all nations) to believe, repent, and be saved. Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross to save us. Thank you for the new hope we have found only in you. Lord, keep leading us and directing our steps. Lord, when we get discouraged or find ourselves in tough situations help us to feel your presence and walk in alignment to your word. Equip us for the journey and ignite passion within us again. Continue to touch the sick and bring healing to them and this land. Lord, the world is all over the place – mentally, financially, emotionally, and physically. Help us to stick to the mission.. In Jesus name, amen.

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