In our last reading we witnessed a dreadful tragedy we now learn Saul approved. We will learn more about Saul as we go forward. This is our first glimpse at a man who was full of evil. He believed he was good, working to maintain Jewish tradition.
Up to now, we have been hearing how the church was growing and people were being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The works of the apostles had been so positive, and the community was thriving. Then, everything changed with Stephen’s death. Fear gripped the people and they fled. Who knew that a madman of sorts, Saul, would rise up and begin his attempts to destroy the church. Satan was doing what Satan does best. He was keeping people from the truth, and he was using a man in power to do it.
Away from the rampage of evil in Jerusalem, thankfully those that fled did not keep their mouths shut. They proclaimed the Messiah to people who had not yet heard. We follow Philip in the city of Samaria where he preached and performed miracles. The people were curious about what they were seeing. The Lord’s touch brought great joy to that city.
God can never be stopped. No matter what. His power is greater than any power of evil. When evil tries to snatch us, God intervenes. His rescue may not look like we would expect. We can be sure God will always turn evil into good. We can find examples of this today as well.
Think of a disaster or tragedy you have been a personal witness to. I am confident you can see a positive outcome of some sort rising out of those ashes. God never wastes a hurt. His hand is always at work. There is always some positive by-product out of any tragedy. The important thing to remember is we are God’s children, he loves us and wants the best for us. If we stay in relationship with him, he will provide us an escape, we just need to trust him.
Philip trusted God. Had he not fled, he would not have been preaching in Samaria. He was able to further God’s kingdom there. A positive result. We need to use all circumstances of life for the benefit of God, even the hard times. Especially the hard times.
Are you always on the lookout for ways you can further the kingdom or are you too caught up in your own tragedy to see? Have you told yourself lies believing there is no hope? You do know where those lies come from, right? Smash them. Stand on truth.
When we focus on the light of God, the darkness of fear and hopelessness cannot prevail. It’s too easy to fall in the pit of despair. Wrestle with God. Tell him what is hurting you, what your concerns are, what you feel you need. God knows best, and sometimes his answer will surprise us. Philip was sharing with Samaritans of all people, not known to be the best of friends with Jews.
Don’t flee from God, flee to him.
Let’s pray. Lord, I feel so overwhelmed today. I just want to crawl back under the covers and stay there. But I know you have so much more for me to do. Help me to see you. Help me to defeat evil. I am feeling weakened by it and need your power to restore me. Please grant me wisdom and fill my mouth with your words today. May I speak your truth in love. May those who hear receive and not fight. Prepare me for this day, Lord. I need you. Guide me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
To this point the followers of Jesus were clustered in Jerusalem. The beginning of persecution unwittingly launched phase 2 of Jesus’ commission, the spread of the Gospel to Judea and Samaria.
As always – thank you for your wisdom, David!