Today's Reading:Old Testament: Numbers 15 - 16
New Testament: Acts 14
Focus Verses: Acts 14:14-18
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
Insight:
The good news Paul and Barnabas proclaimed to the people of Lystra was that the true God who made heaven and earth was showing himself to them. The living God was calling them to come to him and to turn away from worthless things. Paul explained that the worship of false Gods resulted from a long history of nations ignoring the witness God had given them and going their own way instead. Paul pointed to creation and God's abundant provision as witnesses of his kindness to them.
Response and Action:
The good news is that God is calling people to himself. In proclaiming this good news, it is important to help people see evidence of the true and living God who is already at work among them with love and kindness. It is also necessary to help them recognize what is false and worthless.
O Living and True God, I want to be responsive to your invitation. Help me to turn away from all that is worthless and false. Help me to recognize the evidences of your truth and kindness toward me. As I respond and surrender to you, help me to share this good news with others. Help me be a witness of your truth and kindness. Help me to humbly and gently expose falsehoods and point others to you. Amen.
Proverbs: 12:17
"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies."
Resources:
Growing Your Faith By Giving It Away: Telling The Gospel Story With Grace And Passion
by R. York Moore
