Daily Readings - Mon Apr 30 2018
Acts
5When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,6they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,7and there they continued to preach the gospel.8Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked.9He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,10said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he sprang up and began walking.11And 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!"12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.13And 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.14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,15"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.16In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.17Yet 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."18Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.
Sermon
In today's reading from Acts 14:5-18, we witness a pivotal moment in the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They find themselves in Lystra, where they heal a lame man, leading the crowd to mistakenly believe they are gods. Paul and Barnabas quickly correct this misconception, emphasizing their humanity and pointing the people to the one true God.
This event occurs during Paul's first missionary journey, a time when he and Barnabas were spreading the Gospel across Asia Minor. Lystra, a city steeped in polytheistic beliefs, presented a unique challenge. The crowd's swift shift from attempting to stone them to deifying them illustrates the volatile nature of human perception. Paul and Barnabas's immediate correction highlights their commitment to humility and their devotion to God.
In our daily lives, we may face situations where our actions are misunderstood or where credit is misplaced. Like Paul and Barnabas, we must remain humble, ensuring that glory is given to God rather than ourselves. This passage reminds us to boldly share our faith, correcting misconceptions and directing others to the divine. The moral lesson here is clear: in all we do, we must trust in God's providence and remain steadfast in our commitment to His truth, avoiding the temptation of personal glory and instead reflecting His light to the world.