We are sometimes reluctant to let Jesus fully into our lives. We don't want to keep his words or the words of his Apostles because those words might make the world hate us. Walking with Jesus means being in the world but not of it. We are called to be distinct, a city on a hill, and a beacon of hope. But that means that our behavior is different from that of the world. We live and testify to a different and better standard. Because of this the world feels challenged, not only by our words, but by our lives authentically lived in Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
This is not to say that there isn't much that can be adapted to the culture, to make it easier to understand.
On account of the Jews of that region, Paul had him circumcised,
for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
Paul allows Timothy to be circumcised all the while proclaiming that circumcision is not necessary for salvation for Gentiles. It's OK that it happens so that he doesn't stand out or cause problems. But Paul definitely often stands against the idea that it is necessary to join the new people of God formed around Jesus. As we walk with Jesus we need to understand this difference between what is essential, the message of the death and resurrection of Jesus and the salvation it makes possible, and what is merely accidental. The more we understand this difference the more we will be able to double down on what truly matters.
Above all we must be attentive to the Holy Spirit. He reminds us of everything Jesus says and guides us into all truth. If he is with us we don't need to be afraid of proclaiming the Gospel. If we try to say the wrong thing or go to the wrong place he will prevent us if we're paying attention.
When they came to Mysia, they tried to go on into Bithynia,
but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them
This discernment of what we are going to do but should not frees us to listen for new opportunities to which we are called.
During the night Paul had a vision.
A Macedonian stood before him and implored him with these words,
"Come over to Macedonia and help us."
We need to listen to the Spirit and follow the Spirit. He calls us back to the essential truth of what Jesus says. He is the light with which our city on a hill shines. He is the living water for which the world thirsts.
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
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