“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, Jesus.” (Acts 17:6)
What a reputation! The Jews accused the early Christians of turning the world upside down, living contrary to Caesar’s decrees, and proclaiming another King. These weren’t criticisms. They were confirmation. The early church was living so differently and speaking so boldly that they created friction. They valued humility in a culture of pride, generosity in a culture of accumulation, gentleness in a culture of violence. And they didn’t just live quietly. They proclaimed Jesus as King, which meant Caesar was not.
If you live long enough like this and speak loud enough like this, Jesus promises you’ll face trouble. The church in Thessalonica experienced a riot on day four. Jason got his house attacked just for hosting believers. But here’s the encouragement: it’s through the fire that deep faith is forged. James says to consider it pure joy when you face trials because the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. If you want to be part of what God is doing, whether in a new church plant or an established congregation, you need steadfast faith. The kind that doesn’t flinch when opposition comes. The kind that lasts.
Reflect:
- How are you currently living in a way that’s counter to cultural values, and where might you be blending in too comfortably?
- When opposition or difficulty comes because of your faith, is your first response fear, anger, or an opportunity to develop steadfastness?
- Ask God to give you courage to live and speak in ways that honor Jesus even when it creates friction, and pray for steadfast faith that endures through trials.
