Acts 28:23-24 From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

Like Jesus, Paul had mixed results. This was exactly as Jesus had said: “If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” (John 15:20) This is an extremely important thing for every evangelist to remember. When we have such wonderful truth to share, it seems incredible sometimes how people will reject it, but that’s how people are. Paul’s audience here was practicing Jews who were probably well versed in the Scriptures he was using. At the very least they accepted the Old Testament as authoritative. Even so, only some believed, and some refused to believe. I personally feel the key lies in two closely related factors. The first is that believing the Gospel requires repentance, because it lays bare the fact that we are sinners before our Creator, and we don’t like that. The second is the very simple fact that coming to faith requires change, and we don’t like that, either. Being alive involves change by the very definition of life, so it is all the more ironic that we tend to resist it so strongly. The older we get, the more set in our ways we tend to be. That’s why it’s all the more remarkable, and joyful, when people in their 70’s come to Christ, as we had just recently. They have a lifetime of things to unlearn, to receive the fulness of the Gospel. That makes it all the more urgent to share the Gospel with children, while it is still relatively easy for them to change. That very factor is why Communist and other demonically inspired governments forbid the religious instruction of children. The devil knows that a foundation of truth laid in the heart of a child is very hard to eradicate. Meanwhile, we are not to give up in our efforts to share the Gospel with adults, because as difficult as it may be, nothing is too difficult for God, and some will believe, just as they believed Paul.

I live with this all the time. I would love so much for people to receive the truth I share with them in simple faith, but I must not give up just because it happens infrequently. I must remember that if I didn’t share, even those few would not be saved. Also, I must remember that those I harvest have generally been influenced by others as well, and know that God can bring fruit from my labors even when I don’t see it. I am to be faithful at the tasks set for me, trusting God for the fruit and expecting it from Him, but still leaving it in His hands. That’s not to say that I’m not to do all I can to become more effective, but it is to say that I must remember at all times that salvation is His work, and is between Him and each individual.

Father, thank You for this reminder. It can be difficult to maintain an expectation of fruit, sometimes. Help me trust You on every level and be faithful in my obedience, so that as many as will may be brought to repentance and faith, in full discipleship, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!