The Real Thing

Acts 19:20

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

 

Paul was the instrument of great things for God. His total being was committed to one thing: spreading the message of Jesus Christ to any and all people. This great power was a source of envy for some Jewish exorcists. They thought that if they invoked the name of Jesus through Paul, they could have the same results. Sadly, no. Instead the evil spirit answered them acknowledging Paul and Jesus, but not them. As a result the very evil spirit they were trying to cast out mastered and overpowered them. They fled the house naked and wounded. As this incident became known, fear fell on them all and the name of Jesus was extolled. Many believed in Jesus, and some who practiced magic burned their books totalling a value of 50,000 pieces of silver.The Word of God prevailed and continued to increase.

 

The power of the gospel can not be sold, copied, or misused. It is the true thing without any deceit or misrepresentation. Believing this gospel changed and transformed men. The power was in the message. In the case of Paul, God was doing extraordinary miracles through him. He was God's man chosen for this express purpose. He was not self-seeking in any way, rather he was a man totally dedicated to God. However, the plight of these exorcists was a marked contrast. They wanted the power without the relationship.They thought they could get in on the glory without the calling or the suffering. How foolish! God is not mocked. Whatsoever you sow, you shall reap. What a warning! In churches today, how many people are pretending to be someone they are not? They know the motions and the vocabulary without knowing the Savior. How many people want the power without the responsibility? To be used of God is a serious things. It requires a heart that is totally His. God accepts no counterfeits.

 

Father,

Purify my heart and cleanse it of any self-seeking. Teach me how to be Your chosen vessel.

In Jesus name,

Amen