SCRIPTURE: Acts 19:8-12
“Arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 19:8-12)
The kingdom of God, we hardly ever talk about it as christians.
We talk about church, worship, being saved, born again, missions, etc.
But the heart of Paul’s message, and Jesus’ message, was the kingdom of God.
“Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'” (Mark 1:14-15)
This is the awesome news that God is restoring His creation kingdom through Jesus, the New Adam.
But we get distracted by lesser things, like “extraordinary miracles” or “handkerchiefs and aprons that heal.”
One reason I think we do not see so many miracles is because we are not focused on the kingdom.
The kingdom isn’t about miracles, but lifting the curse, blessing the oppressed, restoring paradise for all.
If this is what we are pursuing, then God will back us up with miracles to help show our message is true.
Look around you, where you live or work or shop; where do you see signs of the curse and its misery?
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Join with Jesus in His kingdom mission, and He will back you up with kingdom power!
Use your handkerchief to bless, use your apron to serve, and He will work powerfully through them too!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, this world is not the way it should be. I know many people who are experiencing some aspect of the curse. Use my helpful handkerchief to heal, and my servants apron to bless.
Observations/Application
Speaking the Word.
All too often we want people to believe by our actions.
Sharing the Gospel by talking so all may hear.
Speak the Word.
And the witness of Paul increased greatly by the miracles he did. They remind me of the woman who touched Jesus’ garment. God at work through His servants. God empowers His own. Proclaim the Good News to those who desire to hear.
Be an instrument of His peace.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.