06 06 07 Keep Workin’ for Jesus!

“So they departed from the presence of the council,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name---
they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
(Acts 5:41-42)

Have you ever been misunderstood, misquoted, or accused of something you know for sure you never did or intended to do? Has it ever happened to you while actually doing His work, actual direct ministry? What about direct or indirect actions by others to disrupt or even destroy your work and plans? It hurts! It causes pain. We suffer harm. Many times there isn’t a thing we can do about it either, except to keep on keeping on! Keep workin’ for Jesus anyway!

The apostles felt this during the growth of the early church, yet they were actually threatened, beaten, imprisoned and martyred for their work for the Gospel. They rejoiced however, that God saw fit to have them suffer shame, pain, and humiliation because of Him! It didn’t stop them, but in most cases gave them even more incentive to preach and teach. They would pray for more boldness (Acts 4:29)


What about us? When ridiculed, falsely accused, even disciplined, or fired from a job because of our boldness for Christ, what will we do? As the days approach of persecution for a faith in Christ, will we cower down or covet the chance to keep workin’ for Jesus? Are ashamed of the Gospel or boldly proclaiming it in everyday life? Are we satisfied customers or confident sales people? Do we love the Lord and proclaim His Word or simply carry our insurance card safely in our pocket, for the fire to come? Are we quietly waiting or boldly working?

I know I have often said it and many of you agree: “As for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord”, no matter the consequences. So let’s go get more for the sake of Christ and throw caution to the wind---the harvest is plentiful!