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Acts 18
Where did Paul begin his ministry in Corinth? Why was this his habit? Where did he move and why? How did God encourage him? Paul never worried about being rejected by the Jews. Likewise, he never let the inevitable rejection from the synagogue stop him from going there first everywhere he went. He understood both his mission and that there was nothing personal in the Jews’ response. It was ultimately Jesus whom they were rejecting. But there were always some who received his message, and it was for them that he went.
What Paul did was hard. He was not just rejected, he was continually attacked, threatened, imprisoned, and even beaten. But it was all worth it to him to serve Christ faithfully and to see those who did receive God’s word come into salvation. I am ashamed that I am so often reluctant to mention God or to openly live and speak my faith simply because people might snub their noses at it or because it might cause an uncomfortable situation or relationship. May that cease to be! I am no Paul, but I believe that I share in his mission, as all believers do, to live as bold testimonies to God’s truth.
Ex. 33-34
What made Moses such a great leader? What can you apply from this to your own leadership? Moses was constantly seeking favor with the LORD. Funny thing is, if there was ever anybody who had God’s favor, it was Moses. Yet still he sought it. He knew God’s favor was not found in him alone but, rather, it was found because of God’s presence with Him. “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.” (Ex. 33:13a). We please God by knowing Him, and when we please Him He makes Himself known. It’s a never ending cycle we must make an effort to remain in.
God also gives us a glimpse of heaven through Moses. God shows us that when we are fully in His presence, He fully sustains us. “Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water.” (Ex. 34:28a). Moses needed nothing because all of his needs were met in God, the creator and sustainer of all life. Though we wait for heaven and the full presence of God, we do have His presence in the form of His Holy Spirit dwelling in us now to “distinguish [us] from all the other people on the face of the earth” (Ex. 33:16b). Is it such a stretch, then, to believe that we can trust Him for any and every need we might have?