The beloved physician Luke shared how Paul told a lame man at Lystra to stand upright, and the man leaped up and walked. Luke added, “when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein. Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways”, and in chapter fourteen and verse seventeen of the book of Acts Luke shared how God, “left not himself without witness”, where we read:
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good,
and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
The verse begins, “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, ...” Luke began with the words, “nevertheless he left not himself” which means “however, notwithstanding and moreover God Almighty did not leave or omit His own self” “without witness” or “from testimony and good report”, “in that he did good” which means “according to the idea that God Almighty performed and produced benefits, well-doing and favor”. Luke shared how “Paul” noted the way that “God Almighty” continued to bring a “testimony and good report” concerning Himself because He “performed” “beneficial and favorable” deeds upon people.
The verse continues, “... and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” Luke added the words, “and gave us rain” or “and granted, bestowed, furnished and supplied to people rain showers” “from heaven” which means “apart and separate from the sky”, “and fruitful seasons” or “and fruit bearing in productive, definite and convenient times”, “filling our hearts” which means “satisfying, satiating and making full our, Paul, Barnabas and peoples', souls or minds which are the fountains and seats of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes and endeavors” “with food” or “with nourishment” “and gladness” which means “and good cheer, joy and happiness”. Luke shared how “Paul” referred to the way God provided “rain” from the sky which gave people their “favorable times” of the year that produced an abundance of “food” that caused them to be “cheerful and filled with joy”.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how God Almighty takes care of people even when they have not come to faith and trust in His Son Jesus as yet. God provides the rain for “fruitful seasons”, and because He loves people, He feeds them to make them “glad”. God loves everyone, and He wants to live with them forever. Sin separates people from a relationship with God, and therefore He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for those sins. Anyone who yields themselves to Jesus will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God in Heaven. This is the “eternal” invitation of God who grants provision on the earth so people will come into a personal relationship with Him.
Next time Luke shares, “with these sayings scarce restrained they the people”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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