We Really Appreciate Jason!

A reflection by Dr. Dale Meredith (also sometimes "Jason")

Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica.  Paul went to the synagogue and explained from the Scriptures about Jesus for three weeks.  Some Jews, many leading women, and a large group of Greeks believed Jesus was the Messiah and joined Paul and Silas.  Some Jews were jealous and gathered a crowd to attack Paul and Silas.  Paul and Silas had been staying with Jason.  Therefore, these  Jews dragged Jason and some other believers before the city authorities and charged them with breaking the laws of the Emperor by teaching about another king, whose name is Jesus.  Jason and the other believers had to post bond before they could go (Acts 17:1-9).

"Jason" in Catalonia, 2019

Jason let Paul and Silas stay at his house.  This allowed Paul to stay in Thessalonica to preach and start a church.  Jason never
preached a sermon, but he helped Paul preach many sermons.  He never wrote a book, but because he was faithful there was a church in Thessalonica and Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians.  He never went on a mission trip, but because he was faithful Paul and Silas went to many other towns.  Jason stood up for what was true and right when he faced persecution because he had let Paul and Silas stay at his house.  Not only that, but he would not tell the authorities where to find Paul and Silas.  He risked his life that the gospel could be preached.  It cost him when he had to post bond with the authorities to be able to go.  That is all we know about Jason.

There are many like Jason who are faithful to do what they can in order for the gospel to be preached so others can hear about Jesus and accept Jesus as their savior.  People like Jason pray, give, provide facilities, witness by their actions and testimony that Jesus is the Savior.  It is because of people like Jason that missionaries can go to take the gospel to other places.  It is because of people like Jason that churches can continue to be places of worship.  God calls us to be faithful to use the gifts and resources he gives us.

You may not be called to do what Jason did.  However, God has given you a gift and resources.  God asks you to be faithful in the use of your gift and your resources for God’s purpose.  God does not ask us all to do the same thing.  God is pleased when you are faithful to do what he calls you to do.  I pray that we will all: Be smart, be careful, be helpful, be safe, and not be afraid.  God is with us now and forever.​ 

Dale D. Meredith

Pastor, University Baptist Church, Amherst, New York and

Professor Emeritus, State University of New York at Buffalo