God uses the few to move the many...

Acts 17:1-6

1          Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

2          Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

3          explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."

4          And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

5          But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

6          But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.?

7          "Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king-- Jesus."

(NKJ)

I have always found this statement “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too…” to be absolutely astonishing. Without an army, without radical political propaganda or media, and without government power and position a few lowly men of no worth and value to anyone are considered to be such a threat to an entire city. In the very actions of this mob indicate for us that these people knew the danger and power that these few men had. In reality these men brought nothing but a message. How can a message which can be accepted or rejected by the hearer consider to be such a threat to a whole city? An entire world for that matter? Well these people recognized the power that is with these men. They understood that only one thing can do to stop their world from turning upside down was to destroy these men. It is in this description of the effect the born again spirit empowered believer has in this world. their are incredible things God people can do for others in this world through the power of the Holy Spirit. But their is also great anger wrath and rejection stored up against people who move, minister, and speak in the anointing and empowering of the Holy Spirit as well.  What I like about this passage is that it indicates a relatively few who caused the many to be moved. In this case many were moved to turned toward God in response to the apostles message of Christ death for our sins, His death and burial, and His resurrection (1 Cor 15). But anytime you move in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit you can be sure that you will meet with great resistance by the ungodly.

            In the last year I have been called upon to fill pulpits in many of our churches in this area. An unbelievable honor for sure. To be considered by your fellow minister as someone they can trust with their precious fold is a responsibility I do NOT take lightly. Each assembling of the saints is unique and quite different just like each church in the book of Revelation was unique and different. And each meeting where the saints assemble is a supernatural event. through the Body the Lord Jesus Christ speaks and the Holy Spirit leads and ministers. And who else should we allow minister to us then Jesus. I recognize Jesus knows His own people so intimately that He knows just what to say and exactly how He would like to do. When I am called to come and fill I know that Jesus has plans and is preparing to meet with His people. I keep this in mind throughout the days leading up to the meeting. When enter the church I stay very sensitive to the spirit of His people. Are they open? Are they prepared to be moved by the Spirit? Are they ready to receive the word as spiritual seed? I leave no holds barred for Jesus. He can do whatever He so desires. What a supernatural impact Jesus Christ makes in the hearts and minds of His people when His people are ready, open, and sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit.

        I encourage you today to not look at the number of people who are gathering together in your services. Many of the Assemblies I minister in are under 100. It is not the number Jesus is looking for to turn the world upside down. How many were commanded to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise? We are not sure. I would guess that not everyone who heard Jesus command that day He ascended actually showed up to the upper room or Jerusalem even. Yet 120 faithful were their when the Spirit fell down on them. And it is these few that turned the world upside down. I am convinced that God uses the few to move the many. Angry mobs will always confront a spirit filled man or woman of God but so will the Hungry for Gods mobs as well. The number doesn't matter when God begins to move but those who are willing, obedient, and ready to move in the Spirit are in perfect position for a Holy Spirit empowerment. May you be found in the upper room of your faithful few who are gathered together seeking and waiting for the promise of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit once again to witness that Christ Jesus is Risen, is the Lord, and Savior of the soul.

May you be one of the few God uses to 'Turn The World Upside Down"

 

Comments

[Mike Watson]

Thank you for this timely message. I really needed to hear this and am challenged and yet encouraged by your words today. Yours In Christ Jesus, <>< Mike