Day 38/260: Read Acts 14

Who are your heroes in the faith? Do you ever exalt them more highly than you should?

When Paul and Barnabas preached in Lystra, they performed a miracle to confirm that their words were truth (Mark 16:20). Those who witnessed the miracle, however, exalted Paul and Barnabas to the status of their mythological gods. They called Barnabas Zeus and thought Paul was Hermes, and intended to offer sacrifices to them as deity!

Paul and Barnabas discovered their plan and wasted no time in stopping them. They cried, “We are also men with the same nature as you!” Rather than accepting the worship and adulation of the people of Lystra, these men of God turned the focus upon the true God of heaven.

We must be careful that we do not elevate the servants of God to the level of God. Yes, we can look up to them, and imitate them in the faith, but recognize that as men, they are fallible and can commit sin, falling short of the glory of God.

God is God. Man is simply His servant. Whatever you read or hear from men, compare with the inspired, infallible Word.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Acts 16:33. And he took them the _______________ hour of the night and washed their stripes. And _______________ he and all his family were baptized.

Pray

Pray for wisdom to recognize and imitate those with strong faith, putting your hope in God of heaven. Pray for stronger faith when you witness the shortcomings of mortal man.