Devotionals for August 4, 2023
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READ
Acts 19:23-29
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.
Acts 19:34
34 But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.
Acts 19:34
34 But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
REFLECT
A changed life will face opposition. Why is this? Because the way of the world and the way of the Lord oppose one another. That’s exactly what was happening here with the idol makers. All these new believers in Jesus no longer wanted idols. Man-made idols no longer held value to them. Therefore, not only were the idol makers intent on stopping all talk about Jesus, but they were just as intent on trying to turn people back to their god, Artemis. This is where the believer’s faith was truly tested. It is much easier to follow Jesus when things are going well, but what about those times when your back is against the wall because your faith rubs up against the way of the world? 2 Timothy 3:12 says all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. None of us are exempt from facing opposition. So, what do we do when we find ourselves in a place of persecution or opposition? James 1:1-4 says it best: “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy, for you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Furthermore, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:43-48 to pray for those who persecute you because when you do, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Jesus then modeled this perfectly in Luke 23:24 when He asked God to forgive the very men who had unjustly hung Him on the cross. The Bible has much to say about this subject, but I will leave you with the same encouragement God gave the nation of Israel when they were readying themselves to enter the land God had promised them: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
APPLY
Q: When it comes to opposition and persecution, what attitude and action are taught to us in these passages?
Q: Think of a time when you faced opposition or persecution because of your faith in Jesus? How did you handle it? How will you handle opposition and the people who come against you differently in the future?
Q: What difference do you think you will make in the lives of others when you treat opposition to your faith as an opportunity to stand firm and pray for those who are persecuting you?
Q: Think of a time when you faced opposition or persecution because of your faith in Jesus? How did you handle it? How will you handle opposition and the people who come against you differently in the future?
Q: What difference do you think you will make in the lives of others when you treat opposition to your faith as an opportunity to stand firm and pray for those who are persecuting you?
SING
PRAY
"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Help me Lord to stand firm when opposition or persecution comes my way because of my relationship with you. Keep me loving and gentle, completely set apart so I reflect on you and your way in all circumstances.
Help me Lord to stand firm when opposition or persecution comes my way because of my relationship with you. Keep me loving and gentle, completely set apart so I reflect on you and your way in all circumstances.