SCRIPTURE: Acts 14:1-20
OBSERVATION:
Paul was an effective speaker, even if he was not impressive when he spoke (2 Corinthians 10:10) or easy to understand (2 Peter 3:15-16).
The Lord confirms/backs up Paul’s message of grace with miracles.
Despite the opposition, they stay on in Iconium for a long time, until a plot finally forces them to leave.
They just keep on with spreading the message, even when forced to flee.
The man has the faith to be healed, that is, he is open to the message of Who Jesus is, and Paul tells him to get up.
The miracle prompts people to see them as Zeus and Hermes in human form.
God speaks to all people (“not left Himself without testimony) through the many creation blessings we receive (common grace).
The non-Jews want to worship them, but the Jews want to kill them, and somehow they convince the crowds to stone Paul – a brutal form of capitol punishment.
Amazingly Paul survives being stoned (2 Corinthians 11:23-29, for a list of Paul’s hardships).
APPLICATION:
I am convicted of Paul’s determination, despite frustating and painful results, to persevere in sharing the message of Jesus.
Even when things don’t go as he planned, he just moves on and keeps on.
I wonder whether God works amazingly and miraculously through us IF and WHEN we make ourselves available to Him, like Paul did.
Are the lack of miracles in my ministry the result of my holding back from the mission, not sharing the same passion as Paul for spreading His love?
This passage shows again that we are absolutely immortal until God’s purpose in/through us is complete. Not even stoning can take Paul before his time!
PRAYER:
Lord, ignite in me the fire of faith, vision and passion that motivated Paul and Barnabas, so that I may also boldly speak and serve for You. Do great things in and through me, for Your glory! Amen.