“Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on your feet.’ And he sprang up and began walking. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’ Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, ‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.’ Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.” Acts 14:8-18
An impossible situation, a loud voice, an astounding healing. A lifelong cripple walking was all the impetus needed to bring the spiritually confused to confused and frenzied worship of men they thought gods. Vanity promotes irrationality that affects every sense and impulse. If only they’d turn to the living God for healing of the heart…
Man was made to worship, but sin mismanages his methods. Vain is the one who makes gods in his image, who pays homage to gods who pay homage to his desires. This is the indelible plight of sinners, bent since Eden on the lusts of eye and flesh and pride, save for Christ. Idol worshipers destine themselves to remain spiritual cripples, unable to walk by truth and faith. Wound up in reverence of power, control, and high human thought, they fail to recognize when the Divine breaks through to initiate real life. (Genesis 3:1-6)
Where are we confusing things of vanity with true substance? Where are we living in vain for things of the world rather than embracing real life for vital faith and eternal communion with the Lord? Are there areas of our day to days we’ve secreted onto pedestals out of the Spirit’s reach, pet affections or ambitions we’ve guarded as sacred, never to be touched or altered? Would we ask God for new eyes to recognize the idols we’ve made and worship, and renounce them once for all? Only in surrendering false gods will we come to know the real God, and only He is worthy of allegiance and honor.
Lord, wrench from my heart all that is vain and replace it with vital, vibrant worship of You, the Living God who alone is worthy.
As the rain and snow 