"Little G Gods"
EPISODE 136
Praise the True God
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For years, humanity has invented gods to help explain the world around them. Who made the sun, the weather, love, war, and even our bodies? These must have been the work of some powerful supernatural beings, right?
In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas faced a crowd of people whose polytheistic background made them believe they were gods in human form because of their miracles.
"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!" Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker" (Acts 14:11-12).
We're Men!
"But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you ..." (Acts 14:14-15).
The only correct response of anyone with any sense when being worshipped is to cry out, "No!" Their reaction was the exact opposite of what Paul and Barnabas were wanting.
How would you react if someone lifted you on a pedestal? Would you demand to be taken down, or stay silent and enjoy the attention? The Lord is the only acceptable object of attention, but we're merely his disciples on this earth. And if we ever allow people to elevate us, we'll never help them to know Jesus.
Turn to God!
"... and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them" (Acts 14:15).
The keywords here are "vain" and "living." Little g gods are vain, meaningless, and don't exist — but God is living, meaningful, and real (1 Cor 8:4)!
As we teach the world, our goal should be the same as theirs. We help the world turn away from fables to facts, from rumors to reality. Our God, the One True God, is who we're continually directing the world to know.
See the Evidence!
"In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:16-17).
But how could these Gentiles have known about God? He left evidence! Look around at the witness of the rains, crops, and the food we enjoy so much (Rom. 1:19-20).
And nature is a great starting place for us to teach people about God today. Point people to the world's complexity, how it's designed for our good, and lead them to understand the One who created it all.
So, let's praise and honor the True and Living God today! And let's humble ourselves before him as we share his greatness with others.
