Acts 14:8-20 – God is God

Read Acts 14:8-20

I remember studying the Greek gods in elementary school one year in Social Studies. It made an impression on me because at that young age, all I knew was there was one God, the God we learned about on Sunday morning. Who were these other gods? Zeus and Aphrodite are the names I remember. I was the kid who looked forward to Sunday School and learning the Bible stories. These Greek gods never came up. (I guess we didn’t read this passage!) Those were my roots, and I am thankful that seeds were planted when I was young.

I’ve never been a witness to any remarkable miracle like the miracle described in today’s reading. Have you? My life is not over, and I am always looking for God to move in incredible ways. He has certainly moved in my life. I can clearly see his hand visible in so many of my turning points. How have you witnessed God moving in your life or in those around you?

The folks in our reading today would be up close and personal with the Greek gods, close in proximity to their origination. The people were clearly overjoyed that their Greek gods, Zeus and Hermes. What do you think Paul and Barnabas thought? They obviously tried to straighten everything out, but the people wouldn’t listen.

With this type of response, some would have basked in the glory and let their egos go into a frenzy. As humans, we are driven to feed our self-esteem or self-importance. It is crucial that we remember God is God and we are not. We are powerless in many things. Those things we can control, we need to take care and be wise in our handling. When we try to play God, we most certainly will get into trouble or be frustrated with the outcome or lack thereof.

Paul tries to reason with the people here who have already made up their minds that these apostles are gods. Paul tries to reign them back in, to realize they’ve got it wrong. I’m sure he was a bit frazzled. Their mission was to share the Good News, and it seems like they hadn’t had a chance yet. The Good News would have put a kibosh on their misunderstanding. Paul says, “In the past he [God] permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.” 

Were you as surprised as I was when these people ended up stoning Paul, thinking he was dead? Again, evidence that as we witness to God’s saving grace, the love he has for us in sending his Son, and Jesus’ own sacrifice for us, we will face opposition. No matter what the world throws our way, we need to stand firm on our belief in God, trusting he never leaves us. We must give all credit and honor to God.

Reflect on how God is moving in your life right now. How are you responding?

Let’s pray. Father God, I give you thanks for the way you are working in my life. I cherish these moments of stillness with you. As my day unfolds, make it clear to me how you would want me to spend it. May all conversations be honoring to you. I’m struggling with a few things as you know. Please continue to guide me to a resolution. I thank you for the growth I am experiencing through these struggles. May those who are lost be found. In Jesus’ name. Amen.