Title: From Hero to Zero/ Topic: Relationships

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 4; Leviticus 5; Leviticus 6; Acts 14

Scripture: Acts 14:11-13, 19-20
11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
19Then 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. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

Observation: As Paul and Barnabas are preaching the Word, a man is miraculously healed. The people are so impressed that they think Paul and Barnabas are gods and they want to sacrifice to them. Paul and Barnabas have a heck of a time stopping this and trying to explain that it is God who gets the glory. Just a short while later, some Jews come and convince the crowd that these two servants of God are worthy of death! They go from “hero to zero” in almost no time at all.

Application: There are several lessons for me here. First, people are fickle and their feelings toward me can turn on a dime. I must never look to people for my sense of approval or I will constantly be on an emotional roller-coaster. My sense of purpose and approval must come from God; he is the only Person who is constant. Second, I notice that even though Paul and Barnabas are so badly treated, they pick themselves up and keep going on. This experience doesn't stop them from continuing to love people and to reach out to them so that they can know God. They hold nothing back from others as they continue their mission. I need to have that same resolve. I cannot let negative experiences with people make me cynical or reticent to get involved and continue ministering to others.

Prayer: Father, I have had a tendency in my life to pull back from others after being mistreated by them. May I become more and more like my friends Paul and Barnabas. My hope and trust are in You, Lord, and I want to continue to be completely open with others and love them with a full heart even when I go from hero to zero with some.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.