Acts Chapter 13: Verses 42-45(NIV)
As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
Acts Chapter 13: Verses 49-50 (NIV)
The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
God was moving in power and people wanted to hear more Barnabas and Paul. By the time they gathered at the synagogue the following week, almost the whole city had turned out. Surely a cause for great rejoicing! Sadly not. Jealousy is a terrible thing, and it doesn’t stop. Even the most god-fearing and upright people were taken in by those who didn’t like what God was doing.
We need to be really careful when we hear of or see on social media, reports of God being at work. God moves in His own way, and it may be different than we are used to, or anticipated. We need to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is doing, and be careful not to be swayed by other people’s opinion.
We don’t want to stand against the Holy Spirit. Its OK to want to find out more and be curious, and even ask God Himself for direction and guidance. Its worth noting the advice that Paul and Barnabas gave those seeking – continue in the grace of God. There will always be people who can’t accept that God can and still does move in miraculous and mighty ways. We need to be careful that we don’t get swayed by their opinions.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit, and always rejoice when I hear reports of You moving in power. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.