Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 6Sample

Paul and Barnabas are preaching to people who are trying to understand the Good News in their own historical context. Seeing the miraculous signs accompanying this Good News being preached by the Apostles, they mistook them for Greek gods.

The credit did not appease Paul or Barnabas, however. On the contrary, it upset them greatly that the inhabitants of Lystra were mistaking God's love and mercy for them. These were not human works or the works of gods; this was the love God had for mankind that was visibly present. These acts were proof of God's love for people who did not know Him at all.

Furthermore, it was also proof that God uses ordinary people to proclaim His glory to others. Paul and Barnabas' identities were tied to Christ. In this, God's love transformed them to such an extent that their eyes remained glued to that which God had called them. They did not allow human glorification to lead them off course.

How do you think God wants to use you to reveal His love and mercy to those around you? How may His love for you transform you so that it becomes visible in your everyday life?