Sundays Meal Daily Devotional

SUNDAY, 11 JUNE 2023

TEXT: Acts 14:1-20

1. Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.

2. Bu the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

3. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.

5. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,

6. they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,

7. and there they continue to preach the gospel.

8. Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked.

9. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,

10. said in a loud voice, stand upright on your feet. And he sprang up and began walking.

11. 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!

12. Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.

13. 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.

14. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,

15. 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.

16. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.

17. 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.

18. Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

19. 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.

20. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

(English Standard Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: DO NOT USURP THE GLORY OF GOD

Paul and Barnabas preached the Word in Iconium, Lystra and Derbe with boldness and faith in the Lord to the extent that many Jews and Gentiles gave their lives to Christ and a cripple from birth was healed.

On seeing the miracles, the people of Lystra prepared to offer sacrifices to them. The apostles refused and, instead, pointed at God as the One is responsible.

God performed great miracles through these men of God, yet they saw themselves as unworthy to take the glory. God is still doing miracles and He may use you or make you a beneficiary. But will you allow the glory go to Him?

QUESTION: When you minister to people and miracles happen, who takes the glory?

PRAYER: Use me, Oh Lord, to perform Your miracles and allow the glory go to You alone. Amen.