Prophet Without Honor – audio

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Many times people get discouraged when no one listens or responds to the gospel.

They think they are the ones who could do a better job. I can remember preaching my first sermon; I expected someone to walk down the aisle to the front during the invitation song. You can imagine my disappointment when no one did.

Even Jesus had a difficult time when in Nazareth.

When Jesus came to Nazareth (where He grew up), he marveled at the people’s unbelief! In fact, He could not do much except lay hands on a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:1-6).

Imagine even the Son of God teaching, and many were offended at Him!

They knew who Jesus was because He grew up there. They knew His family, work, and education. Therefore, they had their doubts about Him. Jesus finally moved on to other mission fields.

Saul of Tarsus had problems at Jerusalem.

Ananias had just baptized him, and immediately he went to Jerusalem to join the disciples. However, they knew of his efforts to destroy the church and were wary. Barnabas went with him and declared what all the Lord had done for him (Acts 9:26-31). When all were comforted, the churches began to grow.

Sometimes the gospel is preached but not heard or obeyed.

However, it remains our responsibility and duty to preach it (1Timothy 4:2-5)! Sometimes we may be more effective outside our own territory, as were Jesus and Paul!

Let us not become discouraged, but seek a way to be effective in the Lord’s kingdom!