…who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone…
1 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV
Killing the Lord
Two teenagers have been arrested after a fatal double shooting this past January in the Cree Nation of Mistissini, located roughly 600 kilometres northwest of Quebec City. The two 17-year-old boys were arrested according to provincial police, who say they are both local residents. Shortly after their arrest, the two met with investigators. A spokesperson for Quebec police said early on that they believed the shootings were related to organized crime.
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The message of the Gospel and a life of faithfulness in following God is always misunderstood by those who have no time for such things. The prophets spoke truth and suffered for it. Jesus loved perfectly and was rejected. And Paul and his companions continued that same mission—declaring God’s love even when it was unwelcome. In speaking about the crowds at Jesus trial who cried for his crucifixion, the apostle wrote about this in 1 Thessalonians 2:15: “…who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone…” We live in a world where truth still meets resistance. Yet, like Paul, we’re called to keep sharing Christ’s message of grace, regardless of how it’s received. Faithfulness may not always bring applause, but it always pleases God. The measure of our ministry isn’t popularity, but obedience. When people reject the message of Christ, it’s not us they’re rejecting—it’s Him. So let’s remain tender-hearted, not bitter. Let’s pray for those who oppose us and remember that God’s love reaches even the hardest hearts. May we walk in courage and compassion, trusting that every act of faithful witness—no matter how small—is precious in His sight.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley