January 24, 2012

Acts 13:1-12 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 8:14-22, Psalm 18:30-50, Genesis 39-40

Journal Entry

Scripture

8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.”

Observation

What boldness, power and authority Paul exercises ! Paul is speaking to the people who are in power in a strange land. The proconsul, Sergius Paulus have the power to kill or imprison them and Paul would not be able to defend (so it seems). And yet Paul speaks so boldly to expose and exercises authority to blind the false prophet. How is Paul able to do this. We see in verse 2 "the Holy Spirit said". It is the Holy Spirit who calls Paul and Barnabas. In verse 4, " So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit". It is the Holy Spirit who sends them out. In verse 9, " filled with the Holy Spirit". It is the Holy Spirit who gives Paul boldness and power.

Application

It is God who calls, sends and enables to do HIS work. As Paul and Barnabas did, all I need to do is obey and be a vessel so that God can do his work. How little can I do when I rely on my own strength and knowledge. But how much more can God do when I in HIS will, doing HIS work in HIS way. Would Paul be set aside if God did not set him aside? Would Paul go to Cypress if God did not send him? Would Paul be able to speak boldly and blind Elymas if God did not give him power and authority? I will call upon God and be ready to do HIS will.

Prayer

Lord God thank you for allowing someone like me, a sinner and full of weakness, to be used by you. Let me not rely on my own knowledge or strength but allow me be in your perfect will. Teach and Lead me oh Lord. Help me to listen to you and obey when you call. Give me the courage to go where you want me to go. Strength me oh Lord to proclaim your Word without fear, Use me so that YOU will be glorified and honored. Your will and not mine be done. AMEN.

--Kyung Hong