Acts 19 & 20
It is the spiritual dynamics that jump out at me in Chapter 19. The battles with people and within people. The Holy Spirit is given to twelve men in Ephesus – some men try to imitate the power of God with Paul and try to control evil spirits, only to be overpowered themeselves because they want the power without the Lordship of Christ in their lives. Others who have named Jesus as Lord acknowledge the negative practices in their lives and bring their witchcraft books to be destroyed. Riots happen because the WAY of Christ disrupts business. This is all a spiritual battle with earthly outworkings. There are costs and challenges when the Good News of Christ impacts on the spirits of the age. I reflect today how the Truckies are going on strike for the purpose of justice and safety and how their actions will disrupt business – I imagine tensions will rise in the business world. Good always stirs evil. The question arising out of this for me is, “Am I prepared for the tensions?” I want to be as focused on Jesus as Paul is and not be intimidated. [Prayer - Jesus you are LORD of my life and I will follow you. Help me keep moving forward to where you are calling me to. Amen]
I want to be able to say, like Paul, “I have told you everything that God wants you to know. Look ater yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be like Shephards to God’s flock” (20:27-28)
