1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Paul and Barnabas were preaching the Gospel in Iconium where many people were turning to Christ. Just as it happened in Antioch, the Jews were getting upset because people were leaving their laws and traditions as they chose to live in the Freedom that comes with faith in Christ and Him Crucified.
The city was divided and the Jewish leadership once again came against Paul and Barnabas. In Antioch, they were escorted out of town but in Iconium, the plan was to stone them to death. And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, to abuse them, and to stone them. (Acts 14:5)
Because the Gospel of Christ brings with it freedom from the Law, this was seen as blaspheming the Law of Moses which was punishable by stoning. Therefore, the death sentence was pronounced against them.
However, the Holy Spirit made them aware of what was about to happen and they fled Iconium and went to Lystra and Derbe which are cities in the Lycaonia area. They were made aware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lies round about. (Acts 14:6)
God had allowed Paul and Barnabas to come under great criticism and even attack, but in this case, He protected them from death by stoning. There was a great Work for them to do in other places, so God tipped them off about what was being planned against them and made for them a way of escape.
God allows things to happen to us to build our faith. Everything we go through is a test of our faith in Him. Paul and Barnabas heard the warning given by the Holy Spirit and they heeded that warning. Their ministry was not about them or how many people they could get to come listen to them. Rather, it was all about building the Kingdom of God and when the Holy Spirit said leave town, they did.
I wonder how many ministers hear the Word of the Holy Spirit today? Better yet, how many listen and obey the Word of the Holy Spirit IF they do hear Him? Is the focus of the Church on building the Kingdom of God or is it on building a personal empire for a person or denomination? God looks at the heart of a person. He considers our motives far more than He considers our actions. What is our motive for doing what we do?
Jesus said, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33) When we remain Kingdom-minded in everything we do, the Lord will direct our path, guide us in the way to go and protect us from the enemy. Paul and Barnabas’ motives were right. They were all about building the Kingdom of God and because of this, God provided for them a way of escape in the face of danger and even death.
Keep Him first and He will……….turn the tide………..in your life.
Kingdom minded, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
