But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go. Acts 15:5-9

I don’t recall ever reading about Jason in the Bible before, but I know I’ve been through the book of Acts several times. However this time around, reading it chapter by chapter, you come across people and places that sometimes I think we just seem to skim over. We don’t know much about Jason but we do know that he hosted Paul and Silas and then came under fire for doing so. He stood firm on his faith by standing up to the officials, unsure of what might happen to himself or his friends. Because of his courage, Paul and Silas were able to continue to spread the Gospel. Sometimes we are called to step out in faith and courage and share with others what we believe. It may not always be safe or comfortable but oftentimes that’s the way the Lord works.

There is a contemporary Christian group named Avalon who sings a song called Still My God and after reading Acts 17, I have to say the song reminds me a little bit of Jason and those other believers who stand up for their faith. I will use this song as my closing prayer for today.

Up and down
Like the tide is moving
In and out
We’re in motion and the ocean pulls us under
And even there You’re found
You never change
So I will sing…

If I’m standing on a mountain
Or drowning in a sea
If I am filled with hope
Or crying out for mercy
If I’m singing hallelujah
Or scared to make a sound
If I am learning how to walk
Or when I’m falling down
I’m saying You are still my God
Still my GodIn a world

Where so much seems uncertain
You remain hope for the strong and broken
No matter where we are
You are never far
And nothing changes who You are
If I’m standing on the mountain
Or drowning in the sea
If I am filled with hope

Or crying out for mercy
If I’m singing hallelujah
Or scared to make a sound
When I am learning how to walk
Or when I’m falling down
I’m saying You are still my God
Jesus, you are still my God

You were, you are, you will be forever
You were, you are, yeah
You were, you are, you will be forever God

If I’m standing on the mountain
Or drowning in the sea
If I am filled with hope
Or crying out for mercy
If I’m singing hallelujah
Or scared to make a sound
When I am learning how to walk
Or when I’m falling down
I’m saying You are still my God
Jesus, you are still my God
Jesus, you are still my God

Still my God
Still my God