Scripture Verses that Caught my attention today: Acts 14:18-19 Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them. But Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
Observation: The people were really fickle and easily swayed.
Application: Sometimes a person can’t help but wonder if there’s really a right way to do things. I’m thinking politics as the moment. Some say raise taxes and provide more needed services. Others say lower taxes and prosperity and generosity will prevail. The yearly battle of persuasion is really that—a battle of persuasion.
This story from Acts, of course, isn’t about taxes or the best ways to go about public service, but it does serve as an example of how there is almost always an opposing side. The span of the pendulum swing is huge—the crowds go from wanting to worship Paul to actually stoning him. How could this happen?
This is why I am very confident in God, but not so confident in me. I trust God to know the truth. I do not trust myself to always know the truth. As in the days of old, the truth sometimes comes from surprising corners. And unfortunately, the crowds are not always swayed by it. And ironically, some who claim to have it are only fooling themselves. The real truth always wins out and eventually is recognized, but perhaps not for a long, long time.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be open to the truth--from whatever quarter it may come—and not be tossed about by this and that. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Scripture Readings included: Job 9-10 and Acts 13-14)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment