LookingtoJesus

September 6

Bible Reading: Acts 15:30-41

Acts 15:39, “And there arose a sharp disagreement…”

Disagreements are common.  Who hasn’t disagreed with someone about something?  Disagreements even happen in the Christian community, sometimes even between godly people seeking to do the right thing.  It’s good to know that God can well work in and through us despite that, as we see with Paul and Barnabas.

As fellow missionaries, Paul and Barnabas had worked closely together over some seven years.  It was Barnabas who first vouched for Paul, facilitating his acceptance into the Christian community.  Together on that first missionary journey, they traveled hundreds of miles, side-by-side, sharing the gospel and planting churches.  Together, they witnessed amazing things and faced serious threats.  They were both godly men, who risked their lives to share the good news about Jesus with people who had never heard the message before.  One can only imagine how close they’d become because of their shared experiences and love for Jesus.  But when the time came to make a second missionary journey, a “sharp disagreement” arose between the two.  The disagreement centered on whether to take John Mark with them.  Barnabas wanted to take his cousin with them.  Paul, troubled by John Mark’s previous desertion, did not.

John Mark did not go with them, but God worked despite the disagreement to prosper the gospel ministry.  “Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas” (and went) “through Syria and Cilicia” (Acts 15:40-41).  God, who causes all things to work together for good in the lives of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) used the situation to multiply their efforts by sending the two groups of missionaries to two separate regions. 

Just as with Paul and Barnabas, sometimes disagreements or other things can compel us to part ways with someone we love.  It’s never easy and can be heartbreaking, but it’s good to remember in such situations that God can bring good out of our bad and work in unseen ways to fulfill His will!  Our part is to keep trusting and keep seeking to do His will.

God is able to work through even the most painful experiences of life to move us to where He wants us to be!

LEAD KINDLY LIGHT
Refrain:
Lead, kindly Light, amid the gloom of evening.
Lord, lead me on! Lord, lead me on!
On through the night! On to your radiance!
Lead, kindly Light!
Lead, kindly Light, kindly Light!

The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Direct my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
So lead me onward, Lord, and hear my plea. [Refrain]

Not always thus, I seldom looked for you,
I loved to choose and seek my path alone.
In spite of fear, my pride controlled my will,
Remember not my past, but lead me still. [Refrain]

So long your pow’r has blest me on the way,
And still it leads, past hill and storm and night!
And with the morn, those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost a while. [Refrain]

September 5

Bible Reading: Acts 15:22-29

Acts 15:28, “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”

There is a highway sign near here marking and commemorating the old Oregon Trail.  Those who traveled west on that path crossed the continent on wagon trains, fording rivers and journeying through deserts and blizzards and the Rocky Mountains.  They faced hostile Indians and outlaws and many hazards.  How indispensable then was the role of an experienced wagon master, leading them on to their appointed destination.  The Holy Spirit (the “Helper”) serves us in such a role.

It was the Holy Spirit who led and empowered in the early church, even as Jesus had promised (Acts 1:8).  The Spirit was leading and working as the people were praying.  Things are no different today.  It is those who led by the Spirit who are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).  The pastor, the leaders, and members of the congregation are all Spirit-indwelt believers.  The Spirit speaks with one voice and leads in one direction. Our responsibility is to all keep in step with Him (Galatians 5:25).

The Jerusalem council faced a tough decision, a decision that would lead to dramatic and enduring consequences.  The Judaizers were arguing for the need for the Gentiles to be circumcised.  Peter and Paul and Barnabas made their case to the contrary.  James, citing the prophet Amos, judged that the Gentiles should not be required to undergo circumcision.  The church wrote a letter which was to be sent to proclaim that verdict.  And in that letter, James noted that the decision was not just his or his and his fellow council members, but it “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and (them)” (Acts 15:28).

Jack Andrews commented on this: “The Holy Spirit presided over the proceedings in the church. He had His will and His way.  The Holy Spirit leads His church as we submit to Him, seek Him, are sensitive to Him, and surrender to Him to do His will. The Holy Spirit of God was the source of this teaching as the church came together in once accord and discerned the will of the Lord.”

We are all called upon to make tough choices and difficult decisions.  Is the Holy Spirit your guide, enabling you to avoid the ever-present spiritual snares and pitfalls that are commonplace in this present evil age (Ephesians 5:15-18)?  He knows best when it comes to navigating the life’s journey.

To be led by the Spirit requires that you allow Him to lead.

HE LEADETH ME
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain:
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me. [Refrain]

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me. [Refrain]

September 4

Bible Reading: Acts 15:12-21

Acts 15:17, “…who makes these things known from of old.”

Though it’s sometimes difficult to understand the things happening in our world or in our lives, we can always count on God to fulfill His promises.  What He has spoken in the past will surely come to pass.

The salvation of Gentiles led to quite a controversy, which led to the Council of Jerusalem. Those leaders at the council met to make an important decision that would have dramatic and enduring consequences.  Did the Gentiles need to be circumcised?  That was the question, but underlying that question was the challenge the church faced in adjusting to its new Jewish-Gentile identity.  The outreach to the Gentiles and their acceptance did not come easy.  Though Jesus’ mandate was to bear witness to “the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8), it took God’s intervention to convince Peter to meet with Cornelius.  Even then, Peter had to explain his actions in meeting with a Gentile to his fellow leaders.  Having borne much fruit in their missionary effort to the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas’ success and the opposition of the Judaizers then led to the need for the council to meet. 

Peter and Paul and Barnabas recounted the working of God in the salvation of the Gentiles.  The council took that into account.  James cited Amos’ prophecy that foretold such things.  “(God) makes these things known of old,” said the prophet (Acts 15:17).  The salvation of the Gentiles was a new thing to the church, but it was not a new thing to God.  Though a mystery to them, the prophets had spoken of such things (Acts 15:15).  Jesus had too (John 10:16, 17:10).  It was all according to the predetermined plan of God, and no amount of human reluctance, opposition, or questioning could work to stop Him from doing what He said He was going to do.

With the world seemingly spiraling out of control, it is good to keep in mind that the ship of humanity sails on a God-determined course.  We may not understand some “new thing” that is happening in our world, but we know God is in control.  God has fulfilled every promise that He’s ever made and will fulfill every one of those yet remaining.  Our security and destiny lie not in the whims of mere men, but in the God who is the creator of all things.  He made promises regarding the future salvation of the Gentiles, and so they came to pass.  He’s made promises to you, you can count on Him to do what He has said.

“I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done.'” – Isaiah 46:9-10

ANCIENT WORDS
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.

Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.

Refrain:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ. [Refrain]

Songwriters: Lynn Deshazo
Ancient Words lyrics © Integrity Music

September 3

Bible Reading: Acts 15:6-11

Acts 15:11, “But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly defines that which is required for salvation: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  In wrestling with the Gentile question, Peter relied on that same truth in declaring salvation to be by grace!

The Judaizers wanted the Gentiles to be subjected to the law.  The problem with the law is that no one (except for Jesus) has been able to keep it.  For one thing, we lack the heart to do it, for though the law is virtuous, the sin principle within us doesn’t agree (Romans 7:10-11). Additionally, to fulfill the law, one must do so perfectly.  To break one link in a chain is to render it useless, and to fail at one point of the law makes one accountable to the whole of it (James 2:10).  The history of the Jews is filled with examples that prove the law represented a yoke too big to bear (Acts 15:10).  God did not give the law to improve men somehow so that they could merit salvation, but to convince them of their need for Jesus (Galatians 3:24).

A squirrel cannot pull a yoke meant for an ox, and a man cannot handle the yoke of the law.  To be saved from the sin burden that afflicts us all, one must look to the grace of God.  Grace means gift, and, with respect to salvation, has been defined as God’s “unmerited favor.”  The unmerited part speaks to the reality we are all sinners and helpless to measure up to God’s holy standards (Ephesians 2:1-3).  As “children of wrath,” we are deserving of God’s judgment (Ephesians 2:3; Romans 6:23).  But God, who is rich in mercy and grace, has intervened by opening a door of salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross for sin (Romans 5:8).  That salvation is freely given as a gift to all who place their trust in Jesus (Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9).

The sad reality of the attempt to earn salvation is that a person can bear the burden of that yoke for their entire life and receive no benefit.  The good news is that we serve a giving God and a loving Savior who has worked to resolve our sin affliction.  Jesus made this offer to all burdened by a yoke too big to bear: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).  Any attempt to earn one’s salvation by law-keeping represents a yoke too big to bear, but where “sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20-21).

“Only by grace can we enter, only by grace can we stand; not by our human endeavor but by the blood of the Lamb.”- Gerrit Gustafson

BURDENS ARE LIFTED AT CALVARY
Days are filled with sorrow and care
Hearts are lonely and drear
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near

Refrain:
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Calvary, Calvary
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near

Cast your care on Jesus today
Leave your worry and fear
Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary
Jesus is very near [Refrain]

Troubled soul, the Savior can see
Every heartache and tear
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near [Refrain]

September 2

Bible Reading: Acts 15:1-5

Acts 15:1, “But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

What must a person do to be saved?  That was the question faced by the council of Jerusalem?  The apostles had witnessed Gentiles responding by faith to the gospel.  The fact that they subsequently received the Spirit bore witness to their genuine salvation. But some Jews (aka “Judaizers”) argued that the Gentiles could not be saved without undergoing circumcision first.  Their response is not altogether surprising.  The first Christians, Jesus himself, and the old-covenant people were all Jewish.  The Jews had always required Gentiles to be circumcised in order to be accepted into the Jewish community. 

Warren Wiersbe summarized the matter this way: “What were these legalists actually doing and why were they so dangerous? They were attempting to mix law and grace and to pour the new wine into the ancient brittle wineskins (Luke 5:36-39). They were stitching up the rent veil (Luke 23:45) and blocking the new and living way to God that Jesus had opened when He died on the cross (Hebrews 10:19-25). They were rebuilding the wall between Jews and Gentiles that Jesus had torn down on the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16). They were putting the heavy Jewish yoke on Gentile shoulders (Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1) and asking the church to move out of the sunlight into the shadows (Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 10:1). They were saying, ‘A Gentile must first become a Jew before he can become a Christian! It is not sufficient for them simply to trust Jesus Christ. They must also obey Moses!”

The Jerusalem Council affirmed the truth that salvation is through faith alone by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).  “Sola fide,” a Latin phrase meaning “faith alone,” is one of the five “solas” of the Reformation. A central tenant of Biblical Christianity that sets it apart from all other religions, is that salvation is through faith alone.  Just as with the thief on the cross or the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:30-31), “the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a parson receives” (second verse of “To God be the Glory”), Almost 2000 years ago, the Jerusalem Council affirmed the truth that all that is required for salvation is to believe in Jesus.  For that truth-affirming decision, we’ve all got good reason to be incredibly thankful.

Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone!

HAPPY DAY
O happy day that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

Refrain:
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day;
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away!

O happy bond, that seals my vows
To Him who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill His house,
While to that sacred shrine I move. [Refrain]

‘Tis done, the great transaction’s done;
I am my Lord’s and He is mine;
He drew me and I followed on,
Rejoiced to own the call divine. [Refrain]

Now rest, my long-divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful center, rest;
Here have I found a nobler part,
Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast. [Refrain]

August 30

Bible Reading: Acts 14:24-28

Acts 14:27, “And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them.”

After traveling some 1200 miles, on a journey estimated to have taken some 12-18 months, Paul and Barnabas returned to the church in Antioch from which they had been sent.  Traveling by land and sea, over regions of modern-day Turkey and east Asia, they established some 14 new churches.  God had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles, and many responded to the gospel message.  Upon their return, they gave a report regarding the work “God had done with them.”  In effect, they were saying, “look what God has done!”

Nine times I traveled with others to Uganda to serve with Hope and Mercy Mission, assisting the brethren in the region surrounding Kabaale Village.  Following every trip, we would report to the church regarding what was accomplished.  Reflecting on the work God had done was always encouraging.  I would typically cite this passage in our reports, as it includes some important reminders regarding the dynamic between God and the missionary in the work that is done.

Paul and Barnabas were careful to keep their accomplishments in the proper perspective, noting it was not by their own doing, but by God doing through them.  They had been sent by the Spirit and were subsequently led, empowered, and sustained by the Spirit each step of the way.  The dynamic is the same for every believer.  The Apostle Paul put it this way, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).  It is as Charles Spurgeon once said: “O preacher, if you are about to stand up to see what you can do, it will be your wisdom to sit down speedily. But if you stand up to prove what your almighty Lord and Master can do through you, then infinite possibilities lie around you!” 

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory.”—Psalm 115:1

TO GOD BE THE GLORY
To God be the glory, great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Refrain:
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
and give him the glory, great things he has done!

Great things he has taught us, great things he has done,
and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,
but purer and higher and greater will be
our joy and our wonder, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]

August 29

Bible Reading: Acts 14:19-23

Acts 14:22, “…saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

This verse brings to mind John Bunyan’s classic allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress—one of the most read books of all time.  The book tells the story of Christian’s journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.  A journey in which he faced many spiritual trials and challenges, including despair, temptation, persecution, and fear.  Christian ultimately overcomes them all and is brought safely to his destination. Charles Spurgeon loved the book, saying: “Next to the Bible, the book I value most is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. I believe I have read it through at least a hundred times. It is a volume of which I never seem to tire; and the secret of its freshness is that it is so largely compiled from the Scriptures.”

John Bunyan was greatly influenced by his own trials in the writing of his book.  As a young adult, before coming to faith in Christ, he experienced intense spiritual turmoil in his struggle with his own sin burden.  Later, as a lay Baptist preacher, authorities imprisoned him for 12 years for preaching without a license and refusing to stop holding church meetings.  During his imprisonment, he suffered immensely from separation from his family, particularly his blind daughter, who he loved dearly.  Bunyan’s wife, Mary, died in 1656, leaving him with four young children, including his blind daughter.  His second wife had to manage and care for the children during his long imprisonment.  Even after his release, Bunyan continued his preaching and writing under the threat of re-arrest and fines.  His life and his allegory speak to the true nature of the calling of every Christian. 

Paul wasn’t declaring something new when he said, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God,” for Jesus had said the same (John 15:20, 16:33).  Peter explained to his persecuted readers they should not be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12).  We are all called to follow in Jesus’ steps, and His path is one filled with troubles (1 Peter 2:21).  But it leads to a place where there will be no more sin or pain or sorrow or death or troubles of any kind. 

“God has never promised that we would miss the storm, but He has promised that we would make the harbor!”

AS WE SAIL TO HEAVEN’S SHORE
Storms may rise on seas unknown
While we journey towards our home
Surely we’ll learn what grace is for
As we sail to heaven’s shore.

Send us strength, oh, Pilgrim Guide
Sin would drown us in its tide
Be close at hand and go before
As we sail to heaven’s shore

Holy Spirit, lead us on
Give us courage, bring the song

Lord, we trust Your Father’s care
Will convey us safely there
Open or seal off every door
As we sail to heaven’s shore

Straighten our course with every prayer
Let heaven’s breezes speed us there
And grant us mercy evermore
As we sail to heaven’s shore

Draw us near, oh, finest Friend
From dawn’s light to evening’s end
Each passing day, we love You more
As we sail to heaven’s shore
As we sail to heaven’s shore.

Artist: Steve Green; Songwriters: Greg Nelson, Phill Mchugh.

August 28

Bible Reading: Acts 14:16-18

Acts 14:15-17, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should 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. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

The worship of false gods was an integral part of daily life in Lystra, as it was throughout the Roman Empire.  Folks worshipped a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, each somehow associated with different aspects of life and nature.  Temples and altars were a common sight, and people sacrificed to appease the gods.  There were also household gods who were called upon to protect one’s family and home.  People performed rituals such as prayers and offerings to please the gods and ensure their favor.  If things were going well, people assumed it was because they had pleased the gods, and if troubles ensued, it was because they had not.  There were way too many gods to keep track of and try to keep happy, and the bigger problem was that none of them were real!

The folks wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas, supposing them to be Hermes and Zeus, but Paul directed their attention to the one true God who is alone is worthy of worship.  Since Paul’s audience was pagan, he focused on the common ground in the general revelation availed to all.  The false gods and goddesses were man-created myths, but the true God is He who “made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them” (Acts 14:15).  While the power of the false gods was imagined and limited, God rules over the nations.  To gain favor from a false god, it was necessary to meet his demands, but God left a witness to all in freely providing rain and fruitful seasons and associated blessings.

Indeed, to worship the idols was to worship and serve vain things.  Paul’s message emphasized the need to turn “to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).  The living God is a giving and forgiving God. The others were just man-imagined phantoms.

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”—Psalm 119:37

THIS IS MY FATHER’S WORLD
This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

August 27

Bible Reading: Acts 14:8-15

Acts 4:11, “And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

Lystra, situated in modern-day Turkey, was a predominantly Gentile community.  The people there worshipped a pantheon of gods, reflecting their deeply engrained idolatry.  According to a local legend, Zeus and Hermes had once visited the region of Lystra disguised as mere mortals.  All rejected them except for one couple, Philemon and Baucis. As a result, Zeus and Hermes punished the entire region, except for those two, who the gods then made to be guardians of a magnificent temple.   Upon their deaths, the couple were supposedly transformed into two giant trees as a memorial to their kindness.  This folklore had become part of the cultural fabric of Lystra.

Keep that in mind as you consider what happened when Paul and Barnabas came to town and encountered the man crippled from birth.  Moved by the man’s faith, Paul healed him, and the man immediately sprang up and began to walk. Witnessing this miraculous event, the astonished crowd thought Barnabas and Paul to be Zeus and Hermes.  The priest of Zeus, zealous to not repeat that previous mistake and eager to honor what he believed to be the return of the gods, brought oxen and garlands, preparing to offer sacrifices to them.

Paul and Barnabas felt horrified when they realized what was happening. They tore their garments and dissuaded the men, urging the people to abandon their idolatry and worship the true, living God who created all things.  Paul and Barnabas struggled to divert their attention from themselves to God. Instead of accepting the adulation and benefits that came with being mistaken for gods, they steadfastly redirected the people’s worship toward the true Creator. This contrasts with the earlier account of Herod in Acts 12, who, unlike Paul and Barnabas, failed to give glory to God when he was praised by men—a failure that led to his downfall.

The people of Lystra not only mistook the identity of Paul and Barnabas, but they were also drastically confused about God Himself. Zeus, Hermes, and the myth of the two giant trees were mere fables—empty stories with no basis in reality and certainly not deserving of worship. This episode highlights the human tendency toward idolatry and the ease with which people can be led astray by myths. Yet, amid this confusion, the true God made Himself known to the people of Lystra through the message of Paul and Barnabas.  Some did indeed turn from their idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

God alone is worthy of worship!

JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE THEE!
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.

August 26

Bible Reading: Acts 14:1-7

Acts 14:1-2, “Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.”

Even though the Hutu and Tutsis tribes had for years previously coexisted side-by-side as neighbors, the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 led to the mass slaughter of about 800,000 Tutsis (and moderate Hutus) in over just 100 days.  What happened?  Extremist leaders from the Hutu ethnic majority poisoned minds by broadcasting hate speech that dehumanized the Tutsis.  They spread false rumors, convincing the Hutus that their survival depended on eliminating the Tutsi population.  Though none of that was true, the constant barrage of propaganda worked to poison minds, inflaming tension and inciting violence. 

Paul and Barnabas brought the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus to the city of Iconium.  A great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.  As we’ve seen thus far in the book of Acts, Satan opposes every forward advance of the gospel.  Here, that opposition came by unbelieving Jews who stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.  Poisoned minds lead to ruined lives.

Literal poison works to cause bodily harm.  Metaphorically speaking, poison refers to introducing destructive ideas that work to destroy a person’s thinking.  The devil, who is always working to deceive, employs countless poisonous thoughts to wreak his destruction.  Innumerable deadly ideas exist in the world’s marketplace of beliefs, though never labeled to be poisonous.  With destructive thoughts, we can’t even trust our own hearts and minds (Jeremiah 17:9).  Mind poison can be toxic indeed!  How important is it then for us to exercise discernment and “test everything” and “hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)?  We can only do that, of course, by sifting all that we hear and think through a “but what does the Bible say?” filter.

Whether of the physical or metaphorical variety, it is always best to be careful to avoid poison.

LORD, SPEAK TO ME THAT I MAY SPEAK
Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.