Judges 9-10
Psalm 40
Acts 14
-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)
In today’s reading, I can’t help but see some parallels between the faith of David expressed in the 40th Psalm and the faith of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14. In Acts 14:2 we read about the Jews putting up roadblocks to the Gentiles receiving the gospel message, “But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers” (NIV). Not only did they stand in the way of the gospel message being shared, they also plotted to harm Paul and Barnabas. Verse 5 reads, “There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them” (NIV). Sure enough they acted on this plot and stoned Paul and left him for dead. Thankfully, the ever resilient Paul got right back up and continued on his mission the very next day. In the next city they went to they found great success and won many people over to Christ. Paul and Barnabas were clearly going through it, but even Paul being stoned nearly to death was not enough to deter them from their God-given mission. They used their pain and suffering to encourage others who were encountering their own trials. In Acts 14:22 we read, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said” (NIV). Even through their hardships, verse 27 demonstrates how their lips were filled with praise for their mighty God, “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (NIV).
David also endured many struggles. He speaks in Ps. 40 about waiting patiently for the Lord to hear his cry and how the Lord lifted him out of “the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire” and put him on solid ground. After enduring all of these hardships, David’s mouth was full of praise just like Paul and Barnabas:
9
I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know.
10
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly. (NIV)
We will all go through it at one point or another. Do we remain faithful and patient? Do we proclaim God’s goodness no matter the circumstances and also look for ways to encourage our brothers and sisters like Paul and Barnabas did? These men of faith are great examples of what it looks like to celebrate God’s goodness in spite of anything we encounter. Remembering God’s amazing character and His immeasurable love for us will help anchor our faith during any turbulent storm we face.
Reflection Questions
- Imagine for a moment, what do you think Paul and Barnabas were thinking and feeling throughout the events of Acts 14? What do you think might have been the hardest part for you if you had been in Paul’s shoes, or in Barnabas’s?
- What are some tribulations you have already faced on your way to entering the Kingdom of God? How has God shown His faithfulness to you? What hardships might still be coming on your path? Who do you admire for how they faithfully persevered and praised?
- What do you know about God’s amazing character and immeasurable love? Consider writing down your thoughts so you can return to this and be encouraged and strengthened on difficult days. Who else do you know who could use some encouragement? How will you share?
Prayer
Dear God, I praise You for Your faithfulness. Thank you for the many ways You have seen me through hardships, including _____. Thank you for the examples of Paul, Barnabas, David, Jesus, others throughout history, and in my life who encourage and strengthen me with their praise of who You are and what You have done. Help me to not hide your righteousness in my heart, but boldly proclaim your love and faithfulness again and again and again.
Seek Grow Love 