Acts 14:1-28 – A Divided Audience

Read Acts 14:1-28

Good things were certainly happening for the kingdom, but certainly not without peril to the lives of our missionaries. From the way our author, Luke, describes it, Paul wasn’t phased by the threat of being stoned; he just kept on with his message elsewhere. People were listening and believing in what Paul and Barnabas were preaching about. How could you want to stop that momentum?

However, we’re seeing a pattern develop here. Division. Not everybody is on board with what’s being preached. Those in opposition are turning to violence. Are they perhaps feeling threatened or think they can shut down this Jesus rhetoric if they harm the source? The truth will never be silenced. Continue reading “Acts 14:1-28 – A Divided Audience”

1 Kings 8:54-66 – What a Dedication!

Read 1 Kings 8:54-66

The words "The Will of God" with an open door sharing the picture

I can’t get over the sheer number of animals sacrificed during this dedication ceremony. 142,000 cattle, sheep, and goats. I don’t think I can even fathom how much space they would take up, much less the time it would take. It makes sense the dedication took multiple days, even before the traditional Festival of Shelters was celebrated.

Getting caught up in the details can keep us from seeing the underlying message. Such numbers would suggest to me extreme devotion and a repentant heart. The magnitude of the temple’s importance in the lives of God’s people is also apparent. The grandeur of the temple would call for such a display. It sounds like everyone in attendance was blessed. I hope God was, too!

Continue reading “1 Kings 8:54-66 – What a Dedication!”
error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)