8 And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
9 But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
10 This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” Acts 19:1-10.
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Despite the opposition, or maybe because of the opposition, “all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks”.
Today’s Scripture helps us to remember that we should not think of our lives as a series of random encounters, some good and some bad. We should remember: “God is at work!”, “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
There is naturally a tendency to only be happy and satisfied when we have those good encounters when people are receptive to us like the disciples were receptive to Paul in verses 1 through 6. But, we do have what we think are bad encounters. Are they really bad encounters?
Almost immediately, after reading in verse 9 about that “bad” encounter where “some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people”, and Paul withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus, we read: “This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.”
Not only this Memorial Day, but every day, we should remember that we have a sovereign and active God Who is in control of everything and Who causes everything to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
“Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,”
“Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,”
“Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,”
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands.”
And Israel, for you are My servant;
I have formed you, you are My servant,
O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me.
22 “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud
And your sins like a heavy mist.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
23 Shout for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done it!
Shout joyfully, you lower parts of the earth;
Break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains,
O forest, and every tree in it;
For the LORD has redeemed Jacob
And in Israel He shows forth His glory.” Isaiah 44:21-23.
Recall it to mind, you transgressors.
9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:8-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 