Joy

I was reading my devotions this week early one morning and this verse stuck me. 

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

Now that sounds like a good day to me. . . being filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. We might assume that followed a great day of ministry, miracles and healing, with thousands believing in Jesus. But what struck me was where this verse came in the biblical narrative. You can read it for yourself in Acts 13, but here's the summary. 

Paul and Barnabas had gone to Pisidian Antioch. Their first sermon in the synagogue was well received, and so they were invited back next week to speak again...to continue the revival. And the whole city showed up! 

Then it went south. 

The Jews began contradicting what Paul was saying and 'heaping abuse' on him. Paul then said, "Okay, since you reject our message, we'll go to the Gentiles." And many Gentiles believed. Then we come to the last few verses.

The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:49-52

The good news = the word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 

The bad news = people stirred up important 'God-fearing' women and leading men. They persecuted Paul and Barnabas and kicked them out of town. 

The result = And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit! 

There always have been, and there always will be people stirring up trouble for God's servants. Sometimes its even the good 'God-fearing' people that get stirred up. What amazes me about this passage is that in spite of having their message challenged and rejected, in spite of the abuse, persecution and getting thrown out of town, Paul and Barnabas were still full of joy and the Holy Spirit.

I don't know about you, but I need to work on that a little. 

I'd say they knew what it meant to enjoy the journey.

David