“In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways; and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Even saying these things, with difficulty they restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them” (Acts 14:16–18).
As Barnabus and Paul made their way through the southern regions of Asia Minor on their first missionary journey, they encountered various reactions to their ministry. But an incident in Lystra prompts the strangest reaction yet. Paul heals a man who had been lame from birth. The local worshipers of pagan gods reason that they have been blessed with a visit from two of their patron deities, Zeus and Hermes. Much to the consternation of the missionaries, the locals begin to prepare sacrifices to offer in their honor.
The servants of the true God are understandably appalled at this and they strongly voice their disapproval. As part of their efforts to stop the proceedings, Paul reminds the crowd that part of the reason for his preaching was to encourage them to “...turn from these vain things to a living God, Who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them” (Acts 14:15). What is implied is that this God alone should be worshiped.
The evidence for the true God is all around for those with the vision and the will to see it. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Sadly, some refuse to see what is right in front of them. The natural world is a billboard pointing to the One who made it. Will we choose to see it?
God loves you!
Mike
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