Week 4, Day 5
Today’s Reading: Acts 15-16
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
There is an account in Acts 14 that shows us just how fast things can change. We see Paul and Barnabas in verses 8-18 being praised, even to the point of being worshiped. They had to restrain the crowd from bowing down to them, and even offering sacrifice to them. In a way, this had to be a high for them, as they were being accepted for the works that they were performing. Of course, the problem was that they were trying to do something that was not permitted, and not desired by Paul and Barnabas.
But, the whole scene changed when some of the Jews from Antioch and Iconium came down to Lystra and began stirring the people up against Paul. Instead of wanting to worship Paul and Barnabas, they then wanted to kill them. In fact, Paul was very close to being killed. He was stoned and dragged outside of the city, and left for dead.
There had to be many ups and downs in Paul’s life. We can see many trials and tribulations that Paul had to go through in his life. But we also see some great successes. What we can see, and learn from Paul’s life is that he never allowed either to affect him too much. He was always looking forward to what he could be doing. He was also always looking forward to the ultimate goal. That is what we should be doing as Christians as well. Keep your eyes on the goal of heaven, and don’t let the highs or the lows affect you too much. Enjoy the good times, and grow through the trials. But, always press on through both.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
–Philippians 3:13-14
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