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For I know the plans I have for you,declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11 |
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| Archived Manna: | |
Dear
Friend,
If you do not already have a habit of gathering daily manna the first thing in the morning (we can look at the example given to us in Exodus 16 and find the pattern for make it a habit. Establish your life and your schedule to allow you the necessary time to do your daily collection first thing every morning to give you the strength to make it through the day. And remember that today’s manna will not be sufficient for tomorrow; tomorrow’s manna must be collected tomorrow morning. Saturday, October 8, 2022
Today's Passage : Today's Passage :Paul and Barnabas are Worshipped as Gods Bible Verse:Acts 14:8-18 (NIV) "In Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet and had never walked, for he had been crippled from birth. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. And Paul, looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And the man sprang up and began to walk. When the crowds 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 oxen and garlands to the gates; he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifice. When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting, "Friends, why are you doing this? We are mortals just like you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the 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 follow their own ways; yet he has not left himself without a witness in doing good — giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy." Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them. " Message:
Lystra was a city in central Anatolia, which is the mainland of Turkey today. It was part of the Roman colony called Lycaonia and had adopted the Greek gods. It was situated on a high trade road, so both Lystra and Lycaonia were fairly large and important. (Today, a village called "Klistra" sits on the ruins, in a rural agricultural area.)
Zeus was, of course, the king of the Greek gods. Hermes was one of the most important gods. Known better by his Roman name, Apollo, he was the messenger of the gods, and is usually depicted with wings on his feet. He was the god of orators (and, perhaps fancy overpriced Parisian silk scarfs?).
Although the passage is serious, one cannot help but be amused a bit. Imagine the expression on Paul's face when people pour out to worship him and Barnabas as gods incarnate, trying to sacrifice to them. To make matters even funnier, it is Barnabas whom they believe to be Zeus, relegating Paul (who can sometimes seem a tad pompous) to secondary status.
Of course, in reality they were horrified, and immediately tore their clothing, a traditional Jewish act to show humility. Paul then preached the good news, how God had allowed the non-Hebrew nations to follow their own ways in the past — but not without providing for them; but now, they could become members of the living God, through the life and passion of Christ.
Meditation : Prayer : Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted me as a living member of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have blessed me with the grace of forgiveness through the sacrifice He made for me and for all people. Send me now into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord.......Amen |
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