Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

This is a well-known verse, and is the origin of the name of Berea College in Kentucky, half a world away from the Berea mentioned here. The Japanese specifies that it was the Berean Jews who are referred to here, which makes sense, since the Gentiles wouldn’t have had the Old Testament to search it. Regardless of that, their attitude is commended, and rightly so. It is certainly not wrong to confirm from the Bible whether what you are hearing is accurate. It occurs to me, however, that we don’t hear much about the Berean believers anywhere else, other than a brief mention of someone who was from there, in Acts 20:4. The Thessalonians, however, had two letters written to them by Paul included in the New Testament! To me that indicates the level of pastoral care needed in each situation. The Thessalonian believers encountered persecution, as mentioned in this chapter and in the two letters addressed to them, but there’s no indication that was the case particularly in Berea. Rooted in the Bible, they “grew themselves,” so to speak, rather than needing very much attention from Paul and the like. There’s no question which is the easier situation to pastor, but God loves them both, and we are to be faithful in whatever situation we find ourselves. Sometimes we need opposition to test and grow our faith! Even in opposition, however, we are to “Test everything. Hold on to the good,” as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians themselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

I like to think of myself as something of a Berean Christian, but that can devolve into conceit. I sometimes wonder if my faith wouldn’t have more fire if I had endured persecution! I do love the Bible, and am quick to check whether messages I hear agree with it. I have had to learn that just because a particular interpretation is new to me doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not Biblical! I have had a pastor tell me I was “too balanced,” because “a perfectly balanced wheel doesn’t move, and we need to keep moving for the Lord.” I tend to disagree with that! However, I do need to keep moving forward as the Lord directs, so that His kingdom may advance through me.

Father, thank You that You deal with each of us individually. Thank You for all You did through Cathy and me over the past three days at the Japan Cockayne Syndrome Network meeting. Thank You for the privilege of being a channel of Your love to the children and their parents. Thank You for speaking through me, both in the formal memorial service and in many private conversations. Thank You that we’re back into our “normal” lifestyle again! I pray that I would be able to catch up on all the things that are waiting for me here, and be Your agent in everything I am involved in, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!