"For where your treasure is, there will your heart." Mathew 6:21
What a powerful scriptural text to start our discourse with...
Yes, in this post we shall be taking a careful look at a very interesting event that took place in Act 14.
Are you ready to embark on this 'journey' with me? Then, read on!
11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”
12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.
13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.
You may ask, what had Paul and Barnabas done that warranted the "titles" showered on them, by these people who barely knew the person of Jesus?
(Imagine their expression: “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”)
If you read the preceding verses; 8-10, you'll discover that the Apostles in question, had healed a crippled man, who had not walked all his life until that time-- a miracle that the people present at the scene-- that is, the indigenes of that Town had never experienced! I mean, none of their so-called gods could have done that.
But through the power and authority Paul and Barnabas had in Christ; they were able to wrought a consummated healing in the life of the crippled man, whose name wasn't mentioned. Perhaps, the people around didn't care about him enough to call him by his name.
The crux of matter: The Response of the Apostles
14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,
15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
Indeed, we can sieve lessons from their reaction, which when applied in our lives can enhance growth in our lives, both spiritually, and in other areas.
As it is evident, the Apostles drew the minds of this group of individuals with dull perception of who Jesus Christ is --and what holds in God's kingdom. In other words, if Paul and Barnabas were some other fellow(s), they probably would have fallen into the temptation of telling these seemingly ignorant multitude to blow a party for them-- as though they did what they did on their own. Rather they brought their attention to God Almighty, the creator of the universe, and with whom all things are possible.
Now, as I conclude this write-up, I want you to ponder on these questions:
Who do you place at the Centre, and course, first in your life?
Each time you experience breakthrough, do you get absorbed in self; satisfying your humanistic ego; instead of ascribing all praise to Him, and Him only?
Note: All scriptures used in this post are in the English Standard Version (ESV).
Thanks for reading.