How do we react when we receive praise after having success in some project we have accomplished? Some might act a little shy and even embarrassed, as praise makes them uncomfortable, while others just swell up with pride. They might puff out their chest, and even have a little swagger in their step. A little praise or some compliments are okay, but for some, the more success and then praise they get, the more they let it get to their heads, and rather soon they start to think that they are really someone special. We see this in sports, in business, and unfortunately, even among religious leaders. In our Scripture today from the Book of Acts, the Apostles Paul and Barnabas had the opportunity for that to happen in their ministry. Let’s take a look at this occasion.
As our Scripture opens, Paul and Barnabas were continuing on with their missionary journeys, and they had arrived in the village of Lystra, which was in south-central present-day Turkey. There they proceeded to give a sermon, bringing the Gospel message of Jesus to these folks. As we read, as Paul continued in his sermon, he noticed one man in the congregation. He stuck out for some reason. Paul noticed that he was intently paying attention to the message, and from the look on his face, he was believing the message. Faith was growing and was becoming evident to the Apostle (vs. 8-9).
This man was crippled, and had been since birth. Paul saw that he was crippled, and perhaps had even been told that earlier. The Bible does not tell us what Paul’s message was, but whatever he said produced faith in this man. He heard the preaching of the Word of God, and that gave birth to faith. That faith began to grow in the man the more he heard Paul speak. (Romans 10:17). The seed of the Word of God was planted in this man’s spirit. As Paul continued to preach, that seed of faith blossomed in his heart.
The Holy Spirit brought this to Paul’s attention, and the Apostle interrupted his message, and spoke out to this man. He told him to get up and start walking. Most people might have responded that they couldn’t, and would have remained seated. However, this man had allowed the Word of God to work in his heart, and he had faith, faith enough to act on Paul’s word. He stood up for the first time in his life, and started walking and leaping around! (vs. 10).
This miraculous healing was not done through any power of Paul’s, but was instead done through the power and authority of God. Paul and Barnabas were just the human vessels for God’s work. It is faith in the Lord Jesus that truly heals. However, the people of Lystra had different ideas. They looked at this miracle, and instead of having listened and believed the words of Paul, they attributed this miracle to their pagan gods. They even claimed that Paul and Barnabas were the gods Zeus and Hermes in human form. The local pagan priests even brought sacrifices and flowers for the two (vs. 11-13).
How would many people respond in such a situation? Unfortunately many people would jump at the chance to be considered a god! They would take advantage of the power that would come with this. Many religious leaders, after having success in their ministry, large crowds at their services, and successful book sales, allow this to swell their pride. They begin to think and act like they are someone special.
This was not how Paul or Barnabas responded to the pagan priests. They vehemently rejected the sacrifices or claims of deity. They knew and stated that worship belongs only to Yahweh (Exodus 20:3-5). Paul used this moment to proclaim the Gospel, stating that Yahweh is the only true God, that He is the Creator of all things, not the false, pagan gods they have been worshiping (vs. 14-18).
As we look back over this Scripture passage, we see that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can bring transformation in a life. This man had been crippled since birth, and yet his newborn faith in Jesus brought a great healing. What can we see our faith do today? We also need to be vigilant against idolatry in all forms, and reject worldly worship. Though no one will be calling us some Greek god, we must never let any success in ministry or anything else make us proud, allow us to think too highly of ourselves, or to become arrogant. All praise and devotion belongs to Jesus!
No comments:
Post a Comment