Whose name is Jealous

Acts 14:11-15

In yesterday’s account of the apostle Paul, he saw faith in the man who was born lame and told him, “Stand upright on your feet.”  And he sprang up and began to walking.”  Now it is clear that Paul and Barnabas were being lead by the Spirit and it was Christ living out His life in Paul that gave Paul the ability to have such power.  But we also know that a time is coming when the evil one the one Jesus said in John 10:10a, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”  That one is going to be given power to mask the work of the Holy Spirit of God for a short time and the devil will allow men and women who look to him to do great signs and wonders.  So what happens to a people who are looking for outward signs and wonder, the one who put their trust in the latest sighting of Jesus in a tortilla or the ones who flock to see some other sign or wonder?  It is done in ignorance because they will not read what Jesus said about his return in Scripture, and yet Scripture tells us of the evil one being given power to deceive even the elect if God had not shorted the days of his deception.  These are the words of Jesus; “And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

(Matthew 24:22-27 ESV) 

 This is not a new problem, people have always wanted gods they could look upon and yet we also understand that the Father takes exception to anyone who tries to take His glory.  I’m sure you recall King Agrippa having the people yell he is not a man he is a god and this is what is reported that took place soon after; “Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” (Acts 12:23)

So what are the actions of the apostle Paul when the people tried to worship them?           “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 14:11-18 ESV) 

As a people of faith, let us never forget to seek the heart of God, and let us always remember that he is “Jealous.”  “For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”  (Exodus 34:14)  It is so important to remember the people have left Egypt and all the lands they enter have false gods that they are worshiping, much like the world we live in.  All kinds of false gods, the god of health, of wealth, the god of youth, of sports, of sex, and though none can give you joy or peace that last, they make God, whose name is Jealous, very unhappy and that’s not the place any of us would want to be.  So do as Paul if you are the object of someone’s worship and tell them to stop, and if you find the false gods are what you seek, ask the Father to forgive you and to renew your heart to seek Him, and Him only.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice