Today’s Reading, Acts 18-20
Focal Scripture: Acts 19:15 “The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul — but who are you?”
Our reputations really does precede us in life. When people speak about you what do they say? Sometimes, people do get the wrong impression of us from others. At times people will try create a narrative that changes who you are as a person. However, the people that know you and pay attention to how you live, can declare with confidence, what type of person you are to others. Those statements by either friend or foe are the ones that truly matter.
In today’s reading Paul has been performing miracles in an extraordinary fashion. People are being healed and demons are being driven out. Then a group of people try to copy these miracles and drive out a demon using Jesus name. The demon has a very blunt response. I know Jesus and I know Paul but who are you. Jesus was well known and the demons knew there was power in his name. Paul was well known by the demons because of his faith and the way he lived. Paul had a reputation that was declared by his friends and his foes. His character was known by all. Think of the conversations amongst the enemy discussing Paul causing a disturbance to their plans.
So how does this apply to believers today? Simply put does the enemy know who you are? Or are you flying under the radar with the enemy. Our lives should be such a difference that people around us take notice and the devil and his minions take notice also. Our reputation of faith, prayer, and attitude should shake the world. In the book of Acts we have also read that the Jewish leaders declared that these disciples are turning the world upside down for Jesus!
Our goal is to make Jesus famous. We do that by worshiping an audience of one. When we are singled focused like Paul our enemies will begin to talk about us and our lives. This is not in arrogance but because the Holy Spirit has taken hold of our lives. This is why Paul and the disciples could do what they were doing.
Does the enemy know who you are? What would be there declaration of you? Let’s live in such a way that hell doesn’t want us in the fight.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Acts 21-23
