This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsSample

Coming Out of the Crowd

By Zac Rowe

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!” —Acts 14:11 (ESV)

Somewhere deep in the tapestry God wove together in you and me—in the coding of our humanity, if you will—is this mysterious ability we tap into whenever we read a good story. In our imagination whether we’re stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia or joining the war room in a historical account from World War II, our created and creative minds have an amazing ability to put us right there in the action. I’m fascinated, not only at our ability to imagine these characters and their stories but also in our ability to identify with these people in our own stories—to relate to them in ways both personal and universal.

Many read Paul’s writings and instantly identify with him. After all, who doesn’t have a thorn in the flesh they’re asking God to remove (see 2 Corinthians 12:7)? Who doesn’t want to cling to the hope found in being able do all things through Christ who gives us strength (see Philippians 4:13)?

In Acts 14, we find the true story of Paul and Barnabas’s evangelistic mission to the Gentiles. We see God empowering Paul to heal the sick and shame the religious rioters. He overcomes both slander and stoning in this portion of Scripture. It’s proof that God is propelling Paul onward and evidence to us of what a life looks like when the reality of “if God is for us, who can be against us?” is lived out (Romans 8:31 ESV).

Who do you identify with when you read this story? Perhaps you identify with Paul. Or maybe you see yourself reflected in the actions of Barnabas or some other apostolic biblical hero. Me? Well, I’m convicted, to tell you the truth. Much more than the “man of God” standing up on platforms healing the sick as a sign of God’s approval of him, I see myself out in the crowd. Moved and awed by the signs and wonders around me, even as I remember Jesus’ saying that a wicked generation seeks a sign (see Matthew 16:4). I find myself time and time again wanting to know God in His fullness, wanting to draw near to Him, but at the crucial moment of decision, I allow Moses to go to the mountain to meet with God without me (see Exodus 19 and 20), or I fall asleep in the Garden when Jesus asked me to pray (see Matthew 26:36–46), or I join the crowds of people, marveling at someone who displays a life full of the power of God that can only be entrusted to those who are intimate with Him (see Acts 14).

What am I trying to say? Well, instead of saying something to you, I want to confess. Too often, I’ve looked to those I considered wise—leaders, philosophers, preachers, pastors, prophets—to tell me about a God who was longing to reveal Himself to me all along. Just as innate as our ability to appreciate a good story is our propensity to seek after “gods among men” like this crowd in Acts 14. We elevate and idolize because we do not remember that our God is no respecter of persons (see Romans 2:11).

You see, dear friend, even as you read these words right now the Lord is calling out to you. He isn’t calling out to someone else on your behalf. Our omnipresent, omniscient, and open-armed Father in heaven is reaching out to you.

May you and I no longer seek a king, for we already have One. May you and I no longer seek a sign, for Jesus has already been given. May you and I no longer rely on an earthly middleman, for we have the Advocate of the Holy Spirit, the Mediator of a new covenant in Jesus, and the blessed covering of the Most High God as we seek to walk with Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, forgive me. I have no king but You, oh Lord, and today my heart returns to You fully. Thank You for receiving me as Your own. Thank You for Your unfailing mercy that is better than life. Give me grace to walk with You and strength to keep Your commandments. May my ways be pleasing, and my heart be only Yours. May I look at You, Jesus, and not look away. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Activation

• Is there a confession you need to make before the Lord today? Don’t allow anything to keep you from taking that step toward your Father. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what you need to bring to God.
• Seek God in prayer, asking Him to reveal Himself to you in a deeper, more personal way. Focus on building intimacy with Him, not through others but through your own relationship.
• Choose a Bible passage and immerse yourself in the story. Ask God to help you identify with the characters and show you how their journeys reflect your own spiritual walk.

For Further Study

Acts 14; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 9; 1 John 2:1

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?