WHAT WOULD JASON DO?

Scripture: "And some of them were persuaded" [by the gospel, v. 2-3] "and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and coming upon the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. And when they did not find them [Paul and Silas], they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, These men who have upset the world have come here also; and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus. And they stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things." Acts 17: 4-8

So, Jason and others were vigorously handled, being associated with Paul and Silas. We know little about him before this, and gain little afterwards. We do not know how invested he was with the gospel he likely heard, whether he converted and wholeheartedly stepped into the cause or whether he eased guardedly into the evangelical counter-culture. We do not know if Jason offered his 'yes' weeks before, or mere hours. What we do know is that it both pays, as well costs, to follow Jesus. Jason, in this reported moment, was facing the cost.

Sometimes the cost is that of disregard which at its height is inconvenient, perhaps embarrassing, but the spectrum of the 'cost' is far ranging. Ask any son or daughter, or mother or father, or friend or neighbor, of one martyred for Christ, or wrongfully persecuted. Jason's crime - He 'welcomed them'. He considered 'another king, Jesus.'  As spiritual darkness becomes less hidden, even more acceptable within our personal community-at-large, what manner of 'Jason' will we be?

Perhaps the tease of aging, injury, or illness will push on us hard, threatening our familiar way. What then will be our plea, and our heartfelt preference?  Can we borrow from the words of the psalmist: "Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. I have sworn, and I will confirm it, that I will keep Thy righteous ordinances. I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, O Lord, according to thy word. O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Thine ordinances. My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not gone astray from Thy precepts. I have inherited Thy testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes forever, even to the end." Psalm 119:105-112 [NASB]

Can we borrow from the sentiments of Paul: "And He has said to me 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness'" 2nd Corinthians 12:9[a].  Can we meditate upon Jesus speaking truth for today? "And looking about on those who were sitting around Him" [much as we] "He said 'Behold my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother'" Mark 3:34-35.   "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely on account of Me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great..." Matthew 5:11-12a

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Your wisdom, upon grace and mercy pours out to us always. In our adoption, help us to earnestly and diligently be adoptive of Your perfect ways, knowing that it may cost, but also knowing of it's value, for our now and our forevermore. Forgive us when we are willfully slack in our abiding, and neglectful of our anointing. Precious Holy Spirit, have Your way, that we glorify God, even in this day, with Your heavenly precepts upon the patient hearing of our hearts. Bless, O' God, in Jesus' name. Amen.
By Bro. McNeal Brockington