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“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 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. Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. 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. 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.
Acts 19: 25-32
It's amazing how some things never change! At the root of most world issues, you will find a quest for influence and money. Power and Greed. This day in Ephesus was much like today, the power brokers and money grabbers throwing everyone into confusion by stating their offense, “The great god Artemis is being robbed of prestige!” It had nothing to do with offense, and everything to do with greed. The one thing that can be said of our current day politicians and media is they for sure stir up confusion, changing direction as often as the wind. In the midst of the confusion, a lot of good people are lost, scared, and eventually despondent.
As believers, we always need to keep in mind that God is not the author of confusion, it’s just not in His nature. So we have to be careful not to get carried away by the mob, who are often just moving because everyone else is moving. Remember, while we adhere to the law of the land and respect our leaders, we don’t have to buy into the confusion. We move with peace as the Good Shepherd calmly leads us through the valley of the shadow of death! Today, allow the Good Shepherd to lead your life, leave the confusion to the rest of the mob. NOT BUYING INTO THE CHAOS!
Acts 19: 25-32
It's amazing how some things never change! At the root of most world issues, you will find a quest for influence and money. Power and Greed. This day in Ephesus was much like today, the power brokers and money grabbers throwing everyone into confusion by stating their offense, “The great god Artemis is being robbed of prestige!” It had nothing to do with offense, and everything to do with greed. The one thing that can be said of our current day politicians and media is they for sure stir up confusion, changing direction as often as the wind. In the midst of the confusion, a lot of good people are lost, scared, and eventually despondent.
As believers, we always need to keep in mind that God is not the author of confusion, it’s just not in His nature. So we have to be careful not to get carried away by the mob, who are often just moving because everyone else is moving. Remember, while we adhere to the law of the land and respect our leaders, we don’t have to buy into the confusion. We move with peace as the Good Shepherd calmly leads us through the valley of the shadow of death! Today, allow the Good Shepherd to lead your life, leave the confusion to the rest of the mob. NOT BUYING INTO THE CHAOS!
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Prayer:
Father,
As we look to You - the Author and Finisher of our faith - for clear answers in today's chaos, let our minds stay fixed on You for wisdom, clarity and intentional direction. We set our affection and attention on You, Lord. Help us to walk in the light, as You are in the light, so that we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ Your Son cleanses us from all sin. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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