Have you ever been misunderstood? Sometimes a word is misheard or an action is
misinterpreted and people’s responses can range from confusion to comedy to offense. The chances for misunderstanding become even
greater when there is a language barrier.
On Paul and Barnabas’s journey they ran
into a really big misunderstanding. It
took place in Lystra. As Paul was
preaching the gospel, there was a man who had been crippled from birth; totally
unable to walk, yet fully able to hear the good news of God’s love as it was
displayed in Jesus’ life death and resurrection. Somehow Paul discerned that the man believed,
and in the power of God he called to the man to stand, and for the first time
in his life, he did.
Thus began the misunderstanding.
The people of Lystra were, rightly, awed
by what had just happened. What could
this mean? They turned to what they knew
to interpret this event and concluded, “The gods have come down to us!” They thought that Paul must be Hermes, the
messenger of the gods because he was doing the talking, and Barnabas must be
Zeus. So what do you do when a god comes
to town? Offer sacrifices.
Poor Paul and Barnabas! They were dismayed! Paul proclaimed, “We’re just men! Don’t worship us! We want to you to know the living God who is
greater than these empty gods so you can worship Him. He is the one who created us, the world, and
everything in them. He is the one who
gives you the seasons, rain, food, and gladness.” (paraphrase)
How often we misinterpret the workings
of God in the world! We talk about “Mother
Nature,” scientific laws, or random chance at the heart of the workings of the
earth. In truth God gives the seasons
and causes the crops to grow. He created
the world in an orderly way so that we can perceive the complex orderly majesty
that displays His wisdom and glory. He
even uses chaos to bring about His purposes.
While this world groans under the load
of mankind’s sin, it still proclaims its loving Creator who provides for us out
of His love.
Father, help me to see Your hand in creation
and give you praise for all you have provided for us; especially Your
salvation. Amen.
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