The Apostle Paul lived close to the Spirit. God communicated to him
specifically and directly, through reasoning, through urging, through
reluctance
sensed deep within, and even through dreams and visions. "One night the
LORD said to Paul in a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but speak and do not
be
silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm
you, for there are many in this city who are my people.'" (Acts
18:9-10)
This episode in Corinth contains an assumption about the gospel that has been motivating the Christian church from its beginning. In every city, town and province, there are many who are God's people. God sees that there are souls who seek after the LORD, but who cannot find the true God. They are lost on a spiritual journey. So the Lord sends messengers to find them and share with them what God has revealed through Christ.
Paul brought the good news to all the areas of the Mediterranean. Missionaries today are working in all six continents to locate those yearning for the forgiveness and love of God and to share good news with them. And in the cities and towns where we live, God has sent us. There are many in our city who are Christ's people, but have not yet been found. Listen today for the Spirit's revelation of the person in your office, or neighborhood, or family whom God is seeking.
Lord who seeks the lost, impress upon me the name of someone I know who is yours, though they have not found you. Give me the courage to speak and not be silent; to tell them that I know You and that they can too. Amen.