Peggy had dinner with friends last winter at a new restaurant called “Cafe Verandah.” She liked it so much that the two of us went back and ate there another time.
The other day I was in the bank and one of the employees was going on and on about a great restaurant with incredible food. The restaurant? Cafe Verandah.
Any business person will tell you that some of the best advertising is word of mouth. Those who are happy with your product or service will tell others, and that is more convincing than any ad.
In today’s passage, Paul and his companions have traveled to Pisidian Antioch where they attended worship in the temple. Paul was invited to speak, which he did (Acts 13:16-41). What reaction did he get from those listening? By the next week the impact of Paul’s speech is seen by the crowd. Who is attending now?
These three verses don’t spell it out plainly, but the unwritten story can be deduced. Paul was so persuasive with his speech that many who heard him wanted to hear more. They followed Paul and Barnabas and were encouraged by them. By the next week almost the whole city had come to hear Paul preach again.
What happened? Those who heard Paul the first time were obviously so moved and so excited by the message that they told everyone they knew. They spread the word and encouraged others to come hear this incredible message – the message of Jesus Christ.
What an incredible story. Nearly an entire city turned out to hear the message of salvation. Could it happen again?
Yes, of course it could happen again. But such an event relies on the listeners spreading the word, stirring up enthusiasm, urging others to experience the same thing.
Many churches have the same lament – I wish more people would come. Well, they will come, but you have to invite them. If you are faithful to God and faithful in your attendance at worship there must be a reason for it. Isn’t the reason that you value the salvation of Christ?
Isn’t the reason that worship gives you that opportunity to intentionally be in the presence of God?
We can be so willing to share the good news of a nice restaurant, or talk about a great book we just read, or expound on the fine qualities of our new car. Why can’t we share the best news of all, that of Jesus?
DAILY CHALLENGE: Invite someone to worship with you.
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