Saturday, March 5
The Life and Challenges of a Long-Ago Christian, Part 1
See what love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. —1 John 3:1
Brother Andrew Speaks
Northwestern Greece, 62 AD
Peace be with you, my friend. I am Brother Andrew. For the last three years, my friend Sylvan and I have been going from town to town here in Greece sharing the Good News of the Lord Jesus. In each town, we stay while we are welcome and then move on. Many reject our message, but many believe. One young man in particular, Markos, stands out in my memory. He was an orphan, alone in the world, doing odd jobs for neighbors to get by. He was good natured and cheerful, bright and helpful. One of the first to hear us speak in that town, he was the first to be baptized there. He told us his new faith had changed him forever. Markos asked to join Sylvan and me in spreading God’s word. I told him there would be dangers and challenges to his faith if he followed that path, but he was steadfast.
He soon learned about danger. One morning in the town square, he was surrounded by an angry mob of townspeople who wanted the Christians out of their town. He was cursed and rocks were thrown. He had a hard time escaping them but finally made his way to us. I told him it was time for us to leave his town. Sylvan and I could handle the crowd (we had experience), but to be safe he should go ahead to our next destination. Markos didn’t want to leave us but finally agreed. “You have had your faith challenged here by a mob,” I said. “You will meet many more challenges as you follow the Way.” “I will not be afraid,” Markos assured us as he set out. “My faith is my shield.”
Sometimes the path is easy, Lord, and all goes well. Sometimes the path is hard when difficult challenges come our way. Give us the strength and courage to face the challenges and with your help overcome them. Amen.
Guy Johnson