Turn to the Living God
From Appeasement to Assurance
SCRIPTURE:
Acts 14:15-17 NLT - "Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings--just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts."
OBSERVATION:
Why is it that we, as humans, tend to worship everything—including other humans—instead of the living God? We are often drawn to those who are attractive, intelligent, strong, and charismatic, believing they are more than they are.
Not much has changed over the generations. It began in Egypt, when the people of Israel were in bondage, and continued when they begged Aaron to make a golden calf to worship. Later, the nation of Israel demanded a king instead of allowing God to lead them.
Saul was the people’s choice—tall, dark, and handsome—all the qualities they believed made a great king. Yet Saul proved to be the opposite of what the people needed. That is often where the problem lies—we want anything or anyone other than God Himself. Why? Misunderstanding and misinformation.
Because we have not seen God physically, some find it hard to believe. Yet they fail—or refuse—to recognize the evidence of His presence all around them.
In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas came to Lystra to preach the Good News. Among the listeners was a man, crippled from birth, who believed their message. This was significant because the people of Lystra were steeped in Greek mythology. According to their legends, Zeus and Hermes once visited mankind in human form, but only an elderly couple welcomed them. As punishment, the gods destroyed everyone else. Ever since, people have sought to “appease” the gods, hoping not to miss them if they return.
This crippled man had spent a lifetime trying to appease gods who could not save him. But when he heard the truth about Jesus, he believed—and was made whole.
Acts 14:9-10 NLT - and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. So Paul called to him in a loud voice, "Stand up!" And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.
There was no hesitation—he jumped and was instantly healed. Years of fruitless appeasement were replaced by a single moment of faith in the living God.
Yet the crowds, instead of worshiping God, began worshiping Paul and Barnabas, calling them Zeus and Hermes. In their ignorance, they tried to sacrifice to them, unwilling to miss what they believed was another divine visitation.
APPLICATION:
Who or what do you serve or worship? If it is anything other than the true and living God, it is merely an attempt to appease. Like the crippled man, how long have you searched for fulfillment, only to be left empty and hopeless?
Hope has come through Jesus Christ. From the beginning, God has revealed His goodness—even when we failed to recognize it. The appeasement we strive for was already accomplished on the cross. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant the debt was fully paid.
Don’t miss Jesus, as the people of Lystra missed the truth. He came in the flesh and paid for your sins. His hand is extended—will you, like the crippled man, believe and stand up? Only Jesus can make you whole, and He offers this gift freely.
Ephesians 2:5, 8 NLT - that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) ... God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Take a moment to reflect on all that God has done for you. As Paul said, the evidence of His goodness is all around you. His hand is stretched out—will you take it today?
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross and for the gift of salvation You secured there. Help me lay aside all the things I try to worship or appease, and turn to You alone, the true and living God.
Acts 14:15-17 NLT - "Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings--just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts."
OBSERVATION:
Why is it that we, as humans, tend to worship everything—including other humans—instead of the living God? We are often drawn to those who are attractive, intelligent, strong, and charismatic, believing they are more than they are.
Not much has changed over the generations. It began in Egypt, when the people of Israel were in bondage, and continued when they begged Aaron to make a golden calf to worship. Later, the nation of Israel demanded a king instead of allowing God to lead them.
Saul was the people’s choice—tall, dark, and handsome—all the qualities they believed made a great king. Yet Saul proved to be the opposite of what the people needed. That is often where the problem lies—we want anything or anyone other than God Himself. Why? Misunderstanding and misinformation.
Because we have not seen God physically, some find it hard to believe. Yet they fail—or refuse—to recognize the evidence of His presence all around them.
In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas came to Lystra to preach the Good News. Among the listeners was a man, crippled from birth, who believed their message. This was significant because the people of Lystra were steeped in Greek mythology. According to their legends, Zeus and Hermes once visited mankind in human form, but only an elderly couple welcomed them. As punishment, the gods destroyed everyone else. Ever since, people have sought to “appease” the gods, hoping not to miss them if they return.
This crippled man had spent a lifetime trying to appease gods who could not save him. But when he heard the truth about Jesus, he believed—and was made whole.
Acts 14:9-10 NLT - and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. So Paul called to him in a loud voice, "Stand up!" And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.
There was no hesitation—he jumped and was instantly healed. Years of fruitless appeasement were replaced by a single moment of faith in the living God.
Yet the crowds, instead of worshiping God, began worshiping Paul and Barnabas, calling them Zeus and Hermes. In their ignorance, they tried to sacrifice to them, unwilling to miss what they believed was another divine visitation.
APPLICATION:
Who or what do you serve or worship? If it is anything other than the true and living God, it is merely an attempt to appease. Like the crippled man, how long have you searched for fulfillment, only to be left empty and hopeless?
Hope has come through Jesus Christ. From the beginning, God has revealed His goodness—even when we failed to recognize it. The appeasement we strive for was already accomplished on the cross. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant the debt was fully paid.
Don’t miss Jesus, as the people of Lystra missed the truth. He came in the flesh and paid for your sins. His hand is extended—will you, like the crippled man, believe and stand up? Only Jesus can make you whole, and He offers this gift freely.
Ephesians 2:5, 8 NLT - that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) ... God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Take a moment to reflect on all that God has done for you. As Paul said, the evidence of His goodness is all around you. His hand is stretched out—will you take it today?
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross and for the gift of salvation You secured there. Help me lay aside all the things I try to worship or appease, and turn to You alone, the true and living God.
Stop trying to appease what cannot save—turn instead to the living God who already has.
Posted in 06 - Acts
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