When tragedy strikes, our initial feeling is mourning of the loss followed by fear of what will happen next? We are humans who need help to be comforted, encouraged, and reminded that God did not leave us—quite the opposite.
God looks over what is bad, affecting us and the world around us. God’s work continues to weave miracles of good by His power in ways that declare His glory! “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) God is and always will be “at work” in the lives of those who love Him back. Nothing goes unnoticed by God. (And we will be surprised later by who wrote this truth!)
God is still at work among his beloved believers. His Son, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, inviting Himself into places most priests would not dare to go. He healed the sick, gave sight the blind, made the lame walk again but His word and touch. Jesus, who knew no sin, was treated like a criminal by the religious who were arrogantly against Him. He was put to death on a cross but three days later, as predicted and promised, Jesus rose from death in victory over the prince of darkness and eternal death to eternal Life! Jesus is the One and Only who gives Life to all who believe while declaring the glory of God among His followers.
This act of God and His Son angered the enemy who thought he had won the war with God by working his way into the minds of the religious. The enemy had it easy because the religious had turned from God, had no relationship with God, and did not love God back. They certainly did not recognize His Son when He came to save them!
But God is still at work with miraculous acts of grace coupled with the power of His Holy Spirit that has come to live in Jesus’ apostles and followers. The stoning of Stephen, who stood boldly for Jesus, telling Jesus’ story of redemption, lit the fires of persecution of the early church by all those opposed. A tragedy, yes! Did God throw up his hands and quit? Absolutely not! The stoning of their beloved Stephen only served to strengthen their resolve to pray for their enemies asking God to forgive them and save their souls.
What God did next was to provide ways to expand the ministry and grew the persecuted church! Jesus knew all along; He knows how His father works!
Watch and learn! There is no one like our God!
Acts 8, The Message
Simon the Wizard
1-2 That set off a terrific persecution of the church in Jerusalem. The believers were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. All, that is, but the apostles. Good and brave men buried Stephen, giving him a solemn funeral—not many dry eyes that day!
3-8 And Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail. Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus. Going down to a Samaritan city, Philip proclaimed the Message of the Messiah. When the people heard what he had to say and saw the miracles, the clear signs of God’s action, they hung on his every word. Many who could neither stand nor walk were healed that day. The evil spirits protested loudly as they were sent on their way. And what joy in the city!
9-11 Previous to Philip’s arrival, a certain Simon had practiced magic in the city, posing as a famous man and dazzling all the Samaritans with his wizardry. He had them all, from little children to old men, eating out of his hand. They all thought he had supernatural powers, and called him “the Great Wizard.” He had been around a long time and everyone was more or less in awe of him.
12-13 But when Philip came to town announcing the news of God’s kingdom and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, they forgot Simon and were baptized, becoming believers right and left! Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. From that moment he was like Philip’s shadow, so fascinated with all the God-signs and miracles that he wouldn’t leave Philip’s side.
14-17 When the apostles in Jerusalem received the report that Samaria had accepted God’s Message, they sent Peter and John down to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Up to this point they had only been baptized in the name of the Master Jesus; the Holy Spirit hadn’t yet fallen on them. Then the apostles laid their hands on them and they did receive the Holy Spirit.
18-19 When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”
20-23 Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”
24 “Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!”
25 And with that, the apostles were on their way, continuing to witness and spread the Message of God’s salvation, preaching in every Samaritan town they passed through on their return to Jerusalem.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working…
(Way Maker by Mandisa)
AFTER STEPHEN’S STONING—
Saul, the young man who watched over the coats of the leaders as they stoned Stephen to death, now had the blood of vengeance and rebellion cursing through his veins against Jesus and all who call on His Name. Saul has risen in leadership among the religious Jews, the “chief among sinners” (as he will call himself later). With righteous indignation, Saul forms a “task force” to persecute all who believe and follow Jesus. His goal is to rid the world of all Jesus’ believers.
The believers scatter—causing them to become missionaries—going to places to tell the Good News that Jesus is now the risen Savior! The Message of Jesus is received with excitement and joy! Philip proclaims the message to the people of Samaria—where Jews are not normally welcomed. But then we remember Jesus began this work in Samaria earlier through a woman while stopping at Jacob’s well! (See John 4:5-30)
We also remember Jesus words when he appeared to them after his resurrection with a commanded plan: “You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Yes, God is still at work doing what He does best in all who believe and follow in the Name of Jesus!
Philip, joined by Peter, and John help Simon, the “great wizard” who used to turn tricks of magic change his mind and his life so he can help others turn to Jesus! Yes, God is still at work!
Way maker, miracle worker
Promise keeper, light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
You are
Way maker, miracle worker
Promise keeper, light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are…
New believers in Samaria receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from God as introduced by Peter and John. They have new birth, transformed lives, all because of the Good News message of Jesus’ resurrection. They possess a new power from God all because of Jesus! Yes, God is still at work!
“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” –Jesus, Matthew 16:18
Lord,
When we don’t know what is going on, may we quickly realize that you do know and care and that you are still at work in our lives…
In Jesus Name, by His power, for His glory!
You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You, I worship You
You are here, working in this place
I worship You, I worship You
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 