He Rose Up

Daily Reading: Acts 14

Scripture Focus: But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city. (Acts 14.19-20)

Devotional Thought: Paul and Barnabas faced trouble wherever they went, it seems, but in Lystra they found themselves in an interesting situation.  As Paul was speaking, he noticed a crippled man who could not walk.  He saw the man’s faith, and commanded him to rise up to his feet.  The crowd thought the gods had come to them in human form, and they began to prepare sacrifices to them.  Barnabas and Paul quickly corrected them.  Then a group of Jews won the crowd over to their evil purposes.  They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city.

The amazing thing to me in this passage is what happens next.  As soon as Paul was able to stand on his feet, he went back into Lystra where he was stoned. The next day, Paul and Barnabas return to Iconium - home of their persecutors - to encourage the disciples there to remain true to the faith.  Paul certainly remained true! 

Will you rise up and boldly "enter the city"?  Will you ignore the risks and share the gospel?  Will you tell others the good news that Jesus came to save us and reconcile us to God?  It’s a message worth rising up for.  Aren’t you glad someone rose up to tell you?

Jenny

Prayer: Jesus, I am amazed at the courage of your disciples from the pages of the Bible.  They rose up and risked everything to proclaim their faith in you.  Give me courage like that, O Lord!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 71.1-8

1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!

2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me!

3 Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.

5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.

6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.

7 I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.

8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.