SCRIPTURE: Acts 14
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. [Matthew 10:19-20] Paul and Barnabas discover the power of the Spirit through their words. They also discover the power of the enemy in words. Their words bring life and hope and healing, but the words of their opponents bring violence.
The Spirit enables Paul to speak effectively [see 1 Corinthians 2:1-5]. It was so powerful, the citizens of Lystra thought they were gods. The Spirit’s power is also seen in the many conversions, the encouragement of new disciples, the miracles that supported their message, and in how Paul survives the stoning. This is a resurrection miracle; how could any just get up and walk away after being stoned?
We also see the power of the enemy spirit in the words of their opponents. The Jews poison the minds of people in Iconium and Lystra. In both cases. Satan effectively uses the words of his servants to resist the message of the kingdom. Paul makes it clear that even though we are Spirit-empowered in our witness to the King, we must still go through hardships to enter the kingdom. Jesus says the same thing to His disciples in Matthew 10.
But at the end of the day, as we make ourselves available to the Lord, great things happen When the Spirit is speaking, our words become effective, whether what we say is received or rejected. When Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch to report on their first missionary journey, they celebrate the good stuff. Sure there was danger and violence and hardship, but the Spirit showed up, many people were converted, and now there are communities of Jesus-followers spread out in the region. Praise God!
We often worry too much about what to say. We hesitate to say anything because people might respond negatively. Let this passage inspire us to speak boldly, confident in the power of the Spirit through our weak, faltering words. Confident that the King is on the throne, the kingdom is coming, and the enemy – though strong – is overcome! Let us start exercising the kind of faith that looses our lips, that speaks confidently for Jesus!
PRAYER:
Lord, remind me that You are in me, and that You are working through me by Your Spirit. Make me bold, make me effective for You!
LORD, forgive me for the times when I allow myself to be discouraged. When I study once again the determination of Paul and Barnabas, then I realize how easyily I can be convinced to give up.
LORD, fill me with renewed determination and intention to share Your Truth, Your Good news, to live Your promises with intent to draw others to You regardless of their reactions.
To be mocked for Your glory is far better than to be praised for my own self worth! Thank You LORD for not giving up on me!
Thank You LORD for this new day. How may I serve You LORD!
When it’s all been said and done, there is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for Truth, did I live my best for You? May I be a vessel of Your love, overflowing and spilling out onto the world around me. Your will be done!
Hearing the Word divides the people. Some of those who hear, believe and yet others stir up opposition and persecution. Courageous witness we see in this chapter. Dispite the opposition, God’s Word is proclaimed. Their source is in God alone. Although the people are diivided, the Word needs to be proclaimed. That was true then and it also true today.
My source of strength each day is in God alone. He is my Provider. Help me to place my all in all in You as I continue my daily living for Jesus.
You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
Your are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone
You’re the only God
Whose power none can contend
You’re the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You’re the only God
Who’s worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that’s just the way it is
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That’s what You are