Acts 14:8-20
Reflect
What do you do when you receive recognition? I know for me, it is a temptation to take recognition and let it inflate my ego or give me a sense of pride. If I’ve preached a great sermon or written a good song, it can be a temptation to take the glory back for myself rather than humbly receive the affirmation and thank God for how He’s gifted me. Today we read a story of Paul receiving glory after Jesus performed a miracle through him. Thankfully, Paul wouldn’t have any of it! He tore his clothes and begged the people to worship Jesus, not him. One of the surprising things about this story is that immediately after being worshipped by one group of people, Paul was stoned by a different group of people! It’s crazy how fickle and fleeting the praise of man is.
Invitation to go deep: this story reminds us that the affirmation of man, while it’s important for building up our confidence and knowledge of how God may be leading us, is fleeting. In one breath we may be praised by man and in another we may be hated. God is the one who is worthy of all praise and when we receive affirmation we should do so with humility and gratitude to God, rather than pride.
Invitation to go wide: Paul’s story reminds us that not everyone will be receptive to the Good News of God, even when miracles are performed! We need to be consistently pointing people to the Good News of Jesus, glorifying Him, praising Him, and inviting others to do the same. As we do this, some will be receptive, some may not, but it’s all for His glory anyway!
Pastor Daunavan
Pray
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken.
- Pray for Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.
- Pray for the ministry of International Student Ministries.