We do not belong to this world. We belong to Jesus. If the world hates us because of this fact we should not be surprised. Jesus polarizes people.
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.
Jesus's name is the only name given under heaven by which we may be saved (see Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only way to the Father. He is the only one who can bridge the gap from this fallen world into heaven. But the fallen nature in us prefers to be self-directed, self-creating, and answerable to no one. We prefer choices and fear commitments. But at the same time we long for something more. We long for something lasting that is not an arbitrary, artificial and subjective choice we make all be ourselves. We long for the eternal. We long for Jesus to bring us to the Father. Jesus is present in his people, making this invitation of salvation available.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
It is true that the word of Christ may push people away. But even if they are pushed we know that at some deeper level they still crave God because they are, in fact, made for God. This is why it is our job to pass on the teachings of Jesus given to us by the Church.
As they traveled from city to city,
they handed on to the people for observance the decisions
reached by the Apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem.
Day after day the churches grew stronger in faith
and increased in number.
We help our brothers and sisters and Christ by building them up in the truth. We invite those who don't yet know him to come and see. But where do we go? There are so many people to whom we could speak. There is so much we could say. In general, we should try to go wherever we can knowing that the Spirit will stop us if we aren't supposed to go a particular way.
When they came to Mysia, they tried to go on into Bithynia,
but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them,
so they crossed through Mysia and came down to Troas.
We should err on the side of proclaiming rather than the side of silence. The Spirit is able to prevent us from going to far in the wrong way. We should listen to the Spirit in case there is a specific place that would benefit from what we have to share.
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."
Paul, of course, does not wait for this vision to preach the gospel. He is always preaching. Sometimes he receives specific guidance and sometimes not. But the Spirit does rein him in and prevent him from going the wrong way.It can be so with us as well. The Spirit guides us and keeps us on the path. So let's not be afraid to let our praises of God by heard.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
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