Zeal - by Bec Bonython

I have been reading the book of Acts as part of the church’s reading plan and what has challenged me the most is the boldness and courage that Paul and his mates (Timothy, Barnabas, Silas etc…) had when proclaiming the gospel.  Their zeal and fire for the Lord is so evident, authentic and real.

They knew that the gospel message had power and authority and that above anything else, it had the power to transform. They knew that it was only through Jesus Christ that a person has life and freedom. Their faith bonded them to each other, and to God. Because of their zeal, the first thing they did when they entered a place was to go to the temple and start debating, preaching, teaching.

Nothing stopped them – beatings (Acts 16:22), jail (Acts 16:16), riots (Acts 17:5), shouting for 2 hours straight (Acts 19:34), Jewish backlash…. Nothing!!! Because of their boldness and conviction, God worked amazing miracles and many were saved, and gospel spread throughout current day Middle East, Greece, Turkey and Italy.

It got me thinking, and I pray it gets you thinking too!

• How passionate and full of zeal am I about Christ and the gospel?

• How evident is my zeal and passion?   

• Would I be prepared to have beatings, jail time, riots and unrest for the sake of Jesus?

• If someone wrote a book about what God has done through me, how long would the book be?

• How has God used me recently to participate in a miracle, mighty act or salvation?

Confronting questions!!! BUT interesting to reflect on.  I encourage you to read Acts, and I pray that as you reflect and seek, that your zeal and passion for Christ and His cause continues to increase, evidenced in greater boldness, greater faith and greater action.