June 15, 2022 – Wednesday
Acts 14:3 NIV
3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
Comment.
Paul and Barnabas are now in Iconium and teaching/preaching in the Jewish synagogue there. And in the preceding two verses we find, 1bThere they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. Even with people whipping up opposition to them, they persevered and 3 spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
Did you catch that? Because they spoke boldly for the Lord, He confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. The performed no signs and wonders on their own, it was only through God that they were enabled to perform signs and wonders. And He did that to confirm the message of His grace. Notice the signs and wonders were not used to establish the message of grace, but were used to confirm the faith.
What were the signs and wonders that were used to confirm the message of grace and what was their nature? The nature of the signs and wonders were not a result of any powers of the apostles, but simply by the power of God. It is believed the signs and wonders were healing the sick, curing the lame, casting out devils; and others like these. As God the Father gave them the power to do this, Jesus gave such power to His disciples. Paul and Barnabas were His instruments to accomplish the signs and wonders with the express purpose of confirming the message of grace.
If and when God grants such favor or grace to perform signs and wonders, it is for His purpose not ours and His glory, not ours. I know of folks involved in a major food ministry where there are no signs and wonders as we might think of them, but to those who are receiving the food free and regularly, it likely seems like a miracle to them. Those who make the sure the food goes out to those in need, it is not to or for their glory, but God’s. God deigns to use them for His purposes. Perhaps to confirm His message of grace to those in need who receive the food. Those involved in this effort are simply honored to be used by God for His purpose, but all the honor and glory goes to God, not them.
Bottom Line: However, you might be involved in sharing God’s message of grace, all the honor and glory go to Him and not to any of us. We should never go seeking personal glory or honor, but only seeking to do His will.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You honor us when You permit us to be used for Your glory and honor. Thank You so much. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek