Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Acts 19:23-31.
Paul was on his third missionary journey. The numbers of followers and believers were greatly increasing due to the teachings of Paul, Timothy, and other disciples and the miracles that they performed. This was creating a stir in places such as Ephesus but when the real opposition took place was when the reality set in that it was going to greatly decline the income of people. The belief in the Gospel to live the way of Jesus began to have a significant economic impact on the silversmiths of Ephesus. They made their living selling silver shrines of Artemis, the patron goddess of Ephesus. A riot occurred, forcing Paul to flee from the city. This story shows how people who are not true God believers center their lives around material and monetary things. As the Gospel changed the thoughts of people and even changed some of their habits, it did not cause a movement of opposition, but when these changed habits affected the wealth of the craftsmen, resistance resulted. Riots and persecution started to hinder the spreading of the Good News. Do we do this today?
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, Help us to stay focused on telling others the Good News of Jesus and how you love all of your children. Keep us from hoarding our money and material possessions, but rather give us joy in sharing all that we have. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment