SCRIPTURE: Acts 19:23-41
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The message of Jesus can be very disruptive to a community, as many missionaries have discovered. Fortunately the city clerk spoke with a voice of reason. This is a “God-moment”, where God speaks through an unsuspecting servant (who thinks he’s speaking for Artermis). God doesn’t always work things out this way, but we need to interpret the things that do happen from a God-perspective. The fact that Jesus and His message was having such a huge impact on the Ephesian community was a sign that God was at work. Artemis might have been the goddess of Ephesus, but Jesus is the Lord of the Universe. An interesting comparison between Artemis (whose image/statue fell from heaven) and Jesus, Who also came down from heaven, but not as a statue but as the the image of the Invisible God in the flesh, and now is ruling in heaven again.
The “gods” of this world have their followers, their limited powers and influence, but they cannot remove Jesus from the throne.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to be overwhelmed by the apparent strength and influence of the “gods” of this world. Remind me that You are always in the highest position, and that You are working all things out for Your purpose. Amen.
Demetrius was alover of money rather than of the true God. His god filled his own pocket book. His god gave him economic benefit so he thought. Yet Paul’s preaching had a dire effect upon his income because Paul preached about the One and only true God. Man made gods are not gods at all! They are graven images such as the golden calf the Israelites worshipped.
Paul’s message was radicle to the culture of his day. It touched the very existence of the ciy’s welfare. It would shake their very existence. Our pocketbook tells about the god/God we worship.
As the clerk exercised justice, it was a good reminder that as we Christians exercise justice through the court systems/governments. We too must be sure that we are fair minded -to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Peter and John went to pray, they met a lame man on the way,
He asked for alms and held out his palms
And this is what Peter did say.
“Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee,
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
He went walking and leaping and praising God,
Walking and leaping and praising God,
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”