Seizing Opportunities to Share
Scripture: Acts 13:14-15 (NASB95)
"But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, 'Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.'"
Cowboy Wisdom
When Paul and Barnabas rode into town, they didn't waste any time. They went straight to the synagogue – the place where God's people gathered. That tells you something important about their priorities. Real Christians look for opportunities to worship the Lord and be with His people. They don't have to be dragged to church or talked into fellowship. They seek it out like a thirsty cowboy seeks out a water hole.
Now here's the thing that almost every preacher can relate to – Paul and Barnabas were just sitting there minding their own business when somebody looked at them and basically asked, "Are you fellas preachers? Got anything from the Lord for us?" That's when you find out if someone's really ready to share the gospel. Some folks will talk your ear off about the weather, the cattle market, or last week's game, but when it comes to sharing about Jesus, suddenly they're tongue-tied. Not Paul. He stood up and preached.
The lesson here is simple: Christians should always be ready to share the Word when the opportunity presents itself. You should never give a cowboy – or a preacher – a chance to talk about what they love if you don't mean it, because they'll take that opportunity and run with it. The gospel was going to the ends of the earth, just like Jesus promised, and it started with faithful people who were ready when the door opened. Are you ready when your opportunity comes?
Questions for Reflection
Do you actively seek out opportunities to worship and fellowship with other believers, or do you have to be convinced to participate?
When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone? What held you back or gave you courage?
How can you be better prepared to share "a word of exhortation" when opportunities arise?
Prayer Focus
Ask God to give you a hunger for worship and fellowship with other believers. Pray for boldness and readiness to share the gospel when opportunities present themselves. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people across your path who need to hear about Jesus.
