ESOCS Devotional 18 October 2021
TEXT: ACTS 14: 8-23
MEMORY VERSE: “And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, the gods are come down to us in the likeness of men” (Acts 14:11. KJV).
It is unfortunate that most of the so-called ministers today in Christendom are at best sorcerers, magicians or necromancers. Such was the case of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8: 9-11). To the simple or ignorant people of Samaria, Simon was some great one. Everyone believed him to be a wonderful man of God until Philip, the Christ-sent evangelist stormed Samaria with the gospel, with true signs and wonders; and the difference was clear. Even Simon believed the good news, and was baptized (Acts 8: 12-13).
At Lystra, healed a man who had been crippled from birth. He believed the gospel, and his faith healed him instantly. The man stood up on completely healed legs and feet (vs. 8-10; Acts 3:2-7). This healing manifested a true miracle. Many people saw it.
Following this great miracle of Paul, the people of Lystra almost worshiped them, and were even tempted to the point of offering burnt sacrifices to the apostles – mistaking them to be gods (vs. 13). However, the two apostles quickly stop them, to avoid receiving worship that is due to God alone (see also Acts 10: 25, 26; Rev. 19:10.).
Today, we see some pastors and General Overseers have allowed themselves to be revered, to the point of worship by their followers. This is unbiblical, and therefore not acceptable. The Almighty God is the only One that men should consider with that level or degree of superstition and reverence (1 Thess. 1:9).
- Whether they are sorcerers, magicians, or true pastors, once my problems are solved, I don’t care? Ponder over this statement by a believer.
Lord, open Thou my eyes, to discern the fake from the real. Amen
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Proverbs 4: 1-27; Nahum 3: 13-19; Matthew 18: 23-35
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ESOCS Devotional 18 October 2021
