February 07, 2020: SOAP #3718:  Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 14:18 Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered round him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

Observation:  A paralyzed man had been healed.  The people of Lystra thought that Zeus and Hermanus (Greek Gods) had come to them in human form.  They wanted to sacrifice animals in their honor for the great miracle that had been done.  Paul and Barnabas spoke to them about the true God trying to prevent them from making sacrifices.

But the crowd quickly changed.  The wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas, but they stoned Paul and left him for dead!

It was not unlike some years earlier when a large crowd welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem and later shouted “Crucify Him!”

Application:  I cannot take the value of my ministry from the response of people.  Their response may quickly change.  Satan has people who like to sow seed of doubt in their minds.  There is only One I can trust, and it is Him I must please.  Making Him smile is my goal.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I am so glad that Paul did not stop his ministry because of the response of the people in Lystra.  What a loss that would have been!!! I wonder how much loss your kingdom has suffered because a chosen vessel let the opinion of others stop them from stepping out in ministry.  Holy Spirit, I want to listen to your voice more than the voice of people. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!