SOME SIGNS THAT GOD IS WORKING
ACTS 19:17-20 NKJV
17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
When I am writing this devotional, there has been great interest in what took place at Asbury College in Kentucky.
Students gathered for a chapel service that went on for days. People have debated if it is a true revival or outpouring or awakening. I don't know that I can label what is taking place, but if college students are being touched by God, I am totally for it.
In our passage for today, Paul has been at Ephesus for about two years. He has been proclaiming and teaching about the kingdom of God. God was using Paul to work some amazing miracles, and there were some clear signs that God was at work.
The name of Jesus was being magnified, coupled with a great reverence for the Lord. Paul's name was not magnified, but Jesus was the one that people were talking about.
There was genuine repentance. Many, not a few, were coming and confessing what they had done. What is implied here is they were confessing the wrong things they had done. This takes authentic humility and transparency.
Another sign that God was moving is shown in the life changes taking place in the people. Evidently, occultic magic had been common in Ephesus. People owned books that likely contained spells and dark enchantments. This was not magic books of card tricks. There was obviously a strong urgency in the new believers to not donate these books but rather burn them. The books were worth 50,000 pieces of silver. Not sure what the silver pieces were worth but 50,000 of anything is still a lot.
Lastly, we see God's word growing and prevailing in the lives of the people in that area.
APPLICATION:
I believe the signs of God working in Paul's day are still applicable today.
The name of Jesus being exalted more than any man or denomination. And an honor and respect for God and His things.
Genuine repentance in people. Not playing religion, but a heart to please God.
Life changes in the people affected. Old habits and areas that had been dominated by darkness now being rejected.
God's word growing and becoming more important.
PRAYER:
Lord, we need You moving in our nation, area, church, and in our lives. We want more of You.