I have mentioned that this website is more like a giant notebook for me than it is some sort of well thought out, structured internet destination. But just like that nerdy kid in class – and I was – I don’t mind it if you look over my shoulder and use my notes. Gees, maybe you’ll let me hang out with you in the lunchroom later.
I’m mentioning this for the first time – I am endeavoring to read the Bible in a year. I am behind – way behind – but the important task is that I get it read. I am in Acts Chapter 14 and Paul and Barnabas are in Lystra and Derbe. They healed a guy.
So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.
Acts of the Apostles 14:10
This impressed the town folk to the point they thought Paul and Barnabas were gods. Remember, they’re preaching to the same folks who bought into Zeus, Hermes, and the entire Greek Pantheon of gods,
When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker.
Acts of the Apostles 14:11-12
In fact, they were so impressed, they were ready to start offering sacrifices to them…
Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles.
Acts of the Apostles 14:13
Paul and Barnabas wouldn’t have of it – reminded them that they are just Average Joes, and told the folks of Lystra and Derbe that it is God who deserves all the glory. But (and that’s a big but), just a day or two later, some Jews arrived from Antioch and won this adoring crowd over to their side of the argument (Acts 14:19). The crowd who, just a short time before was ready to sacrifice a bull and throw flowers at the feet of Paul and Barnabas now stoned them and left them for dead.
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead.
Acts of the Apostles 14:19
Jesus knew the fickle nature of crowds (John 2:24-25). We need to keep that in mind, too. Since I left the radio business, seemingly too much of my life revolves around politics. I love local government, but the politics make it challenging.
As I read this passage from Acts this morning, I could not help be reminded of the cult of personality modern day politics have become. When choosing a stance on which you will govern, you must firmly root yourself in the Word and in principles, not people.
People will trot out the fatted calf and throw roses at your feet one day; then stone you and leave you for dead the next. Principles over people. Because Jesus understood the nature of crowds, so should we.
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