WEDNESDAY July 19, 2023
A Persuasive Restraint
“Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.
Acts 14:17-18
Paul and Barnabas declared the God of creation to the people in Lystra. The apostles were His faithful witnesses, called to go tell others about Him. As Creator, God is was the One who blesses all people with rain from heaven and fruitful seasons so they can have food to eat.
Paul refuted the Lycaonian’s religious beliefs. Jehovah as Creator was not a myth, such as the Greek god Zeus, who in Greek mythology was considered to be the ruler, protector, and father of all gods and humans. God could not be compared to a fictitious god, such as Hermes, who was considered to be son of Zeus and messenger of the gods.
In Romans 1, Paul would again speak of God our Creator and address the error of unrighteous people who refuse to acknowledge God, even though He is clearly seen through all He has created:
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things (Romans 1:18-23).
When you want to worship the creature instead of the Creator, God will turn you over to your own ignorance, foolishness and sin (Romans 1:25).
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament shows His handiwork.
~Psalm 19:1~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
