21 February - Strong Opposition
“You know, brothers and sisters that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.”
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
Today’s reading reminds me of an English idiom, “Once bitten, twice shy.” It refers to a person who has failed or has been hurt when trying to do something, and then becomes over cautious and, or fearful, about doing it again. Have you felt like that? Are the past wounds in ministry or church work still biting you and hindering you to continue to serve the Lord?
This is not the case with Paul. He says, “We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi” and “faced strong opposition” (v.2). Paul certainly knew that God wanted him to turn to Macedonia, and not proceed to Asia (present Turkey) as he had wanted. Here we get an insight as to why Paul was still passionate and zealous to share the gospel. In the middle of ferociously raging opposition, Paul says he was able to serve because he had God’s help. Just because he obeyed God did not mean things were easy for him.
Often obedience to God is taken to mean that the road ahead will be easier. When faced with strong opposition, there is always a temptation to be disappointed with God. An underlying assumption is that God will make the mission easier because we obeyed him. It is his responsibility to remove the obstacles and opposition. The passage today makes it clear that this is not the case. God enabled Paul to stand firm in the Lord amidst strong opposition.
I am persuaded to believe that Paul was able to stand firm because of his personal experiences and encounter with Jesus Christ. Jesus did not give up on him, even though Paul was so persistently determined to exterminate Christianity. Out of this reservoir of experiences with God’s grace, Paul could love the lost, as God loves him, no matter the cost to him.
PONDER
When was the last time you stood firm in the Lord in spite of strong opposition? When was the last time you gave in to strong opposition?
PROMISE
‘… with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.’ (1 Thessalonians 2:2)
PRAYER
Almighty God, help me to stand firm in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and national upheavals. Help me to continue to serve you no matter the cost. As you searched and called out Paul, so Heavenly Father, search me, try me, fill me once again. Grant, O Lord, your favour on me. I offer my will, self, pride and surrender them to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Article by the Right Reverend Dr D Steven Abbarow, Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia. Prior to his episcopacy, Canon Dr Abbarow was Principal-designate for Seminari Theoloji Malaysia. He is married to Anne and they have two children, Ruel and Naomi.