Good morning! It’s Tuesday! The Lord is with us. Yesterday, we began the discourse which will lead us to a riot that is about to unfold in Acts 19:28-34. Join me as we continue our reading. Enjoy today’s devotion and your day.

Bible Verse – Acts 19:28-34 NLT

“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. ³⁰ Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. ³¹ Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.

³² Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there.  ³³ The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak. 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!””

Key Points

• The anger by the crowd was infused by one man who was losing business/money. (See yesterday’s post)

• Chaos and confusion over took the city.

• Paul’s companions were dragged in, based on association.

• Paul was advised against going in and standing in defense for the Good News or his companions.

• Most of the people caught up in the crowd didn’t even know why they were there…they were just there.

• While not all Jews believed in Jesus as the Christ or Messiah, they certainly believed that there is only one God and most did not worship idols either – hence, the crowds reaction to Alexander speaking.

Reflection

The verses today are similar to what is going on in real-time. There are certainly riots happening around the world, but the question is: how, who and why are they being infused or incited? What i found interesting and funny, was “Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there.“

Christianity was very political in the eyes of the people. It changed nations, priorities, and hearts. I pray that we get back to the Good News of Jesus Christ and live out our lives in him. I pray that we will see Him more clearly and not be lead astray by someone who is angry and incites violence because of greed. I pray that as Christians we would read what the Bible says about all the issues we take a stand against, because some of the things “Christians” take a stand against is not in the Bible – not biblical, and it leads us and others astray…confused and not understanding.

There is only one person’s name we should be shouting “Jesus is Lord”.

Don’t get caught up. Stay focused. Keep praying.

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for another day. Thank you for your compassion and patience toward us. You never leave us or forsake us. Lord forgive us of our sins and remove all temptation that would lead us away from you. Lord, we trust you with every area of our lives. Lord, be with us as we lean on you and surrender our hearts and worries to you. Lord, we know there is work that must continue for the kingdom. Lord, help us to be an audience of one, doing things for you and in alignment with your will. Keep us encouraged as believers, but do not let us become complacent in our walk with you. Lord, we want to be a great example of Christ living within us. Cover and keep us in Jesus namewe pray, amen.

Events
For moreinformation on upcoming events, visit our events page:  https://maryewhiteministries.com/events/

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

Copyright ©️ 2017-2030 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.