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As we read or watch the news, we can’t help but see and hear about many upset people. What they are upset about differs, but there is one common factor with all our protesters and those who speak of hate and venom. Somewhere or somehow, they didn’t get their way. Someone has knocked over their apple cart, and now they are mad. Some are upset because they didn’t get their way in an election, and others are upset because someone questioned why they are upset. The truth is that no one really wants to be told they are wrong, especially if it goes against their core beliefs. When we read the Bible, we see the Jewish people upset a lot. They were mad at Moses, they were mad at the Judges, and they got mad at King Saul. Well, pretty much all their kings. They got mad when the prophets would report the message they got from God about their sin and their need to repent. They got even more upset when they heard of the punishment that was to come if they didn’t repent.

I would like to say that changed after Jesus came, well, it didn’t. In fact, things got worse because now not only are they being told they are sinners, but the religion they practiced for so long was not sufficient for salvation. The Apostle Paul soon found that out when he began his journey to preach the Gospel. The Jews hated Paul; in fact, they wanted him dead. The Jews would take it upon themselves to follow Paul around from city to city to argue, debate, and protest against all Paul had to say. Listen to the reputation Paul and his companions received as they went to Thessalonica. Acts 17:6-8, “When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, 'These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things.” What was Paul declaring that all these people got so upset about? Paul gave them the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. You may ask, why would that get people so angry? Because the Gospel tells us that Jesus saves. Then we must go and tell people what they are saved from, and that is the issue that brings anger. For us to receive salvation, we must first understand that we are sinners. The way to Heaven is extremely narrow, and in fact, there is only one way. We must be told that many life decisions are displeasing to God. Maybe the reason many Christians are unwilling to share the gospel is that we are afraid of upsetting people. Let me finish with this truth. Jesus didn’t worry about upsetting people; the Apostles did not worry about upsetting people, and we, too, must not be worried about upsetting people. I pray that every follower of Jesus would have the same reputation as the Apostle Paul. Here come those who are upsetting the world.