“When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have come down to us in human form!’ Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: ‘Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet 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.’ Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.“
Acts 14:11-18

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FEBRUARY 19, 2025

Sitting comfortably with our Bibles during our devotions and quiet times, it’s easy to “tsk- tsk” the less-than-optimal responses of the folks who first heard the good news. But how would you respond if two men stood up in our worship service on Sunday to declare that Jesus had returned, they had seen Him, and had a message for us from Him? I’m pretty sure our first response would be to have them removed.

So, I understand the religious leaders and devotees who responded this way to Paul and Barnabas. And I’m grateful for those who believed, allowing the Spirit to help them believe the unbelievable, and to choose a way of life that was all but untenable.

And, I’m sympathetic to the citizens of Rome who saw a man lame since birth suddenly walking around with ease. Of course, they thought the Roman gods had been incarnated in their midst. Of course, they started to worship Paul and Barnabas.

When faced with divine power, we really can only respond with violence or worship. Indifference doesn’t stand up to such a sight.

But the incredible news is that this divine power was not from the gods, nor even from Paul and Barnabas, but from the living God, the creator of all things.

I’m not sure that we “believers” today are more impressive in our response, which often does look like indifference by comparison. Do we live as though we believed Jesus is Lord, that in His death He has conquered death, that God demonstrated what His power and authority looks like not by claiming a position of status but in becoming a servant and pouring His life out in love, compassion, and mercy for even His enemies—and tells us to do the same, acting as His hands and feet in the world?

To be honest, I think our tepid response to this amazing news is telling—and I include myself in that.

What would it look like to believe?

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • In what ways do you join the community of faith in overcoming evil with goodness, in loving your neighbor as yourself—in Jesus name?
  • What would be different in our neighborhood, community, and world if we lived as though we believed Jesus’ teaching came from God?
  • What would we do differently if we believed Jesus had defeated death and therefore we had nothing left to fear?

 

Church Reading Plan: Exodus 2; Luke 5