S.O.S.
The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defence before the people. But when they realised he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Acts 19:32-34
A bit of context. The gospel has found its way to Ephesus through Paul & others. Many are listening and the good news about Jesus is starting to create change in the city. Turning people from pagan rituals to Jesus. But not everyone is happy. Some people make their livelihoods off pagan rituals and many don’t like change. Now there is a mob - an assembly - gathered together to declare their outrage.
But here is why this is interesting for us today. It’s hard not to see Luke (writer of Acts) deliberately making a point. The word ‘assembly’ is the same word for Church. Here are a bunch of people gathered together to ‘church’ and what do they declare - great is their god.
Today, all around the world - people will assemble to church. To declare the praises of their gods. For some, this will be a god of sport. For others, a god of food. For others, a god of work. For most, no matter who they assemble with, it will in worship of a false god of their own making who neither truly exists or is deserving of praise.
But those who gather in the name of Jesus, who are built on the cornerstone of Christ and the teachings of the Apostles & Prophets, are the true Church. Today, God’s Church will spend two hours declaring in word and deed, that there is one true God and He is certainly worthy of all our praise.
For Today:
Pray:
Acts 19:32-34
A bit of context. The gospel has found its way to Ephesus through Paul & others. Many are listening and the good news about Jesus is starting to create change in the city. Turning people from pagan rituals to Jesus. But not everyone is happy. Some people make their livelihoods off pagan rituals and many don’t like change. Now there is a mob - an assembly - gathered together to declare their outrage.
But here is why this is interesting for us today. It’s hard not to see Luke (writer of Acts) deliberately making a point. The word ‘assembly’ is the same word for Church. Here are a bunch of people gathered together to ‘church’ and what do they declare - great is their god.
Today, all around the world - people will assemble to church. To declare the praises of their gods. For some, this will be a god of sport. For others, a god of food. For others, a god of work. For most, no matter who they assemble with, it will in worship of a false god of their own making who neither truly exists or is deserving of praise.
But those who gather in the name of Jesus, who are built on the cornerstone of Christ and the teachings of the Apostles & Prophets, are the true Church. Today, God’s Church will spend two hours declaring in word and deed, that there is one true God and He is certainly worthy of all our praise.
For Today:
- How does the word ‘assembly’ help us understand what Church is?
- Who do people around you gather to ‘worship’?
- What do you find great about gathering together with God’s people?
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He has gathered people from every tribe and tongue in Christ Jesus.
- Give thanks for Jesus that we are able to gather under His name and banner.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others rejoice that you get to gather in His name.
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