“Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 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!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “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.” Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.” (Acts 14:8-18)
I always found this story hilarious and yet sad. An entire town go so crazy after a miracle that they start worshiping Paul and Barnabas there on the spot! It seems like such an absurd premise and that anyone with a clear head should have figured out that there was something bigger at work. And yet, if God or His goodness working in the world is a totally unknown or foreign concept, then what else is there to think?
What we have in the Holy Spirit is so different than anything anyone ever has experienced outside of God. While we can easily take that for granted, the blessings that we have been blessed with in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1) are so amazing that it is all beyond what we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3). That is some seriously amazing stuff!
Friends, it is good to be in the family of God and to experience His blessings. Knowing that He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8) and then getting to experience that goodness and joy over giving us such good things; well, I hope that you see this as a reason to shout from the rooftops and live out loud in the joy you have as a believer in Jesus!
How have you seen God’s amazing power at work lately? I would love to hear from you!