Acts 19:8-20 – Be Careful

Read Acts 19:8-20

There’s a lot going on in our reading today.  Paul remains faithful and finds a way to get the word out despite running into roadblocks and rejection. Now he’s teaching every day in a school, and more and more people are hearing his words.  God continues to reward him. Now even an article Paul touches can be used for miraculous purposes!

We often face rejection. How do we handle it? Do we let it stop our forward momentum? Are we crippled with doubt? Take a lesson from Paul and find Plan B. Never let other people’s rejection stop you from your God-given mission.

When I first read about the Jews who were traveling about casting out evil spirits, I didn’t realize they weren’t followers. It soon became apparent they had the wrong motives. They “tried” to use Jesus’ name in their “incantations” without success. These men didn’t know Jesus personally. They had only seen Paul and thought it was cool what he was doing. So they tried the same thing, calling on Jesus’ name to drive out demons. Their motive was money. God will only use who he chooses, and he did not choose to reward them.

You can hardly feel bad for these deceitful men. A demon of all things takes them out, leaving them injured and naked. What did you think when you heard the demon say, “I know Jesus and I know Paul. But who are you?” The demon was not to be fooled. These men didn’t understand how it worked. They didn’t have the Holy Spirit’s power, and that was the crucial difference. The power comes from Christ, and it can’t just be tapped into by people who don’t know Jesus.

News of such an event spread quickly, and people began taking notice of Jesus with a bit of fear. Others who were involved in witchcraft and dark magic did not want to fall victim to attack. So they boldly burned their books in public. Word of Jesus and his power spread. God will use every circumstance to benefit his kingdom.

God continues to bless those who are faithful and believe as we see here with Paul. As children of the Heavenly Father, we are granted access to the Holy Spirit’s power. When we understand what we have available to us, we can use it wisely to help where help is needed. God can see our hearts. He knows when greed is our motivating factor. He can see when we are true and when we are deceitful.

Do we need to get beat up with our clothes stripped off to realize we’re not really followers of Christ? What does your relationship with Jesus look like?

Some of what we saw in today’s reading, we still see today. Occult practices, witchcraft, and fortune telling are alive and well.  Apparently, these folks haven’t read these chapters to know that God hates this stuff. We need to stay clear of this because evil can so easily permeate our lives and cause chaos. When we are not focused on Jesus’ saving grace and the power of the Holy Spirit available to us, we can fall victim. Just like that. The power of darkness is lurking. Don’t let it in.

Let’s pray. Lord thank you for giving me your wisdom to see the difference between right and wrong. I have at times in my life been curious about the darkness, and I thank you that I am walking in your light now. There are so many people unaware of what they are missing. So many people that could have reassurance and peace if only they trusted in you. Thank you for how you are working in my life. I know I can do a better job of being your servant. May your Spirit guide my words and deeds. In Jesus’ name. Amen.