Between A Rock And A Hard Place: What To Do When You Cannot Fight Or Flee!

Sermon – Between a Rock and A Hard Place

Text: Acts 14:19-24

“Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers[a] gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”

Introduction: Since the 1950’s, most of us have heard the phrase, Between a Rock and A Hard Place! What about “Cover Me, until I Can Get back on my feet. Theses common expressions are used by cowboys, policemen, gangsters or even a friend who forgot his wallet. The idea of “Cover me” was to attract the attention away from me, so I can reposition myself. Or remove this pressure, so I can get free. In the movies, the cops meant: “Point your weapons at the house, ready to fire if a threat appears.” But to the Marines, this two-word command apparently meant: Open fire on the stronghold, give me some rapid fire, covering fire or suppressive fire, to keep everyone's heads down while I make a move. Or for a friend, you pay the bill now, and I will pay you back later. Today’s lesson finds Apostle Paul is between a rock and a hard place, in desperate need of cover. Almost everyone can get up from life’s blows with a little help. Covering gives people time to recover, regroup, to get up and begin again! What do you do when you are between a rock and a hard place? How do you get up when life knocks you down?

It is almost impossible to understand how God could use Apostle Paul to such a great level. Biblical scholars report that Paul’s body was frail, his eyes were weak, and his speaking gift was limited. Yet, it is almost impossible to discuss the function of the Christian Church without mentioning Paul’s contribution. Paul gives us glimpse of the Holy Spirit’s power on display in the church and in his personal ministry, sometimes in trouble and sometimes in triumphs. Paul’s writings, gives us instructions on the function of the faith community in a hostile world. Paul’s teachings are so bright and thorough, his life and personal challenges are at times overlooked. Acts 19 highlights the difficult struggles of Paul and the importance of having partners in ministry. His partners in ministry are often overlooked, yet they played a vital role in the success of his ministry.

Luke writes this event as a news reporter writes modern-day breaking news story, just mentioning enough names to keep us interested. This small band of brothers, probably, Barnabas, young Timothy and a few more companions were eyewitnesses to this powerful ordeal. There may be only one or two names mentioned in the story, yet others help complete the story. Every super star needs a supporting cast. Moses needed Joshua, and they both need Aaron and Hur who held up Moses arms on the mountain while Joshua was leading the charge. People brag about Moses on the mountain with rod of God and the bravery of Joshua leading the charge on the field of battle, but seldom talked the work of Aaron and Hur who made valuable contributions to the ministry. Without the support cast, the battle would have prolonged and possibly lost. Never underestimate the value of your supporting role.

Our lesson today tells a moving, action-packed thriller from the life and ministry of Paul at Antioch and Iconium. The Ministry team had experienced great success, as God worked with them confirming His word with many signs and wonders. As the multitudes witnessed the miracles wrought through the team, they considered Barnabas and Paul as gods from above. The cities were moved, and many converts were at added to their company. At one point, their success was so great the multitude assuming they were the gods Jupiter and Mercury walking among them wanted to worship them. Paul and Barnabas had to restrain the people from worshiping them. They refuse to receive their worship and ritual sacrifice, rather pointed the crowd to Jesus Christ and God, His father. Satan tried to sidetrack these servants of God through vain worship and the praise of men. Anyone doing the work of God should expect opposition from Satan. Two of his favorite tools seem to be flattery, self-glorification and persecution, harassment to hinder. The Jewish leaders became angry and jealous of the influence of Paul and his company in their city. These Jewish leaders became arch enemies of Paul and the gospel message. They incited the crowd to violence against Paul and Barnabas, by accusing them of being great deceivers, who have just made fools of them all.