“Through prayer and praise recenter your affections on Jesus Christ and find peace.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 3, 2025
These men are gods in human form!… and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles… they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you!” Acts 14:11, 13-15
Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet from birth. Sitting, the man looked up with eyes of faith, and Paul told him to stand, which he did and began to walk. This is where it gets really chaotic, as human beings love to make someone a celebrity and, in this case, a god. Dismayed, the two apostles tore their clothes and rushed to give God the glory by reminding the crowd that they were merely human beings just like them. Put away your offerings; we are not gods but God’s messengers to remind you to turn from these worthless things and embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ, the only true God. Mere mortals serving our generous Creator.
This incident reminds me of the temptation to elevate people we hold in high esteem to unhealthy, godlike levels. Treating another with a celebratory status inflates egos and creates unwise expectations. We even use the word idol to describe those vying for celebrity status in the hugely successful American Idol singing competition. I love music, but I am setting myself up for disappointment if I worship anyone (a hero) or anything (sports) above my devotion to Jesus Christ. Wise persons humbly reject being worshipped and resist worshipping another. Paul and Barnabas give us a helpful blueprint for how to reject being elevated to an unhealthy status.
After the crowds saw God’s miraculous healing, they believed Paul and Barnabas were gods in human form, identifying them with the Greek deities Zeus and Hermes. The apostles vehemently reject this adulation, tearing their clothes (a sign of distress), and urgently explain that they are merely human servants of the living God. Wise and humble persons quickly rewrite the narrative to give the Lord credit for good outcomes, in this case, a miracle, and reject any godlike status. Leadership in church or ministry is about pointing people to God, not seeking personal glory.
Are there modern-day idols you may be worshipping? While few today bow to statues of Zeus or Hermes, idolatry can take subtler forms, such as idolizing celebrities, wealth, power, or even church leaders. Paul’s call to turn from “vain things” encourages you to examine what you prioritize over God. Misplaced worship disappoints and exhausts, but true worship heals and energizes. Through prayer and praise recenter your affections on Jesus Christ and find peace.
Despite the crowd turning on Paul and Barnabas later in the passage, their commitment to preaching the gospel doesn’t waver. What a reminder to stay faithful to God’s mission despite misunderstanding, opposition, or persecution. Celebrity worship is fragile and flaky, based on flawed and disappointing humans, but worship of Almighty God is life-giving in perfect love. Make Jesus Christ your celebrity worship, and He will satisfy you with His abundant life.
Prayer
Lord, You alone are worthy of my worship. Help me to honor You with my whole heart and turn away from anything that distracts me from Your truth and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Are you giving attention and devotion to someone or something over Jesus?
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 6:13-14; Isaiah 42:8; Matthew 4:10; 1 John 5:21
Worship Resource
Hillsong Chapel: Still
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