April 22, 2010 - Acts 13:11b

“Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.” Acts 13:11b.
Blindness came on the sorcerer, Elymus. He had opposed Paul’s message as Paul delivered the good news concerning Jesus to Sergius Paulus, the regional governor. Paul knew that Elymus’ distractions were keeping Sergius Paulus from responding to the message, so he had to deal with the distraction. While this demonstration of God’s power was clear and evident, it was not the only factor that moved this ruler to commit himself to follow Jesus. It was in conjunction with Paul’s teaching that the Holy Spirit had used to penetrate his heart.
If I had witnessed this blindness coming upon someone as it did in this passage, it would have certainly gotten my attention. I do believe that I would have been so distracted by that incident that I would have missed the message. Yet just the opposite was necessary for Sergius Paulus. He needed Elymus to be silenced in order for his heart to be reached. In a sense, this example is only one of many different ways to present the message, and it is vitally important that we have a sense from God which direction He have us to go. There is not a “one-size-fits-all” method or formula, but instead, a need for us to connect and hear from God and to connect with those around us.
Questions to consider: How did God reach you? What “method” did He use to touch your heart? What various ways have you used to share God’s message with those around you? How have you sensed God’s direction in what to share?
Prayer: Father, thank You for touching my heart with Your message. Help me to sense how You desire for me to share the message of Jesus with others. Amen.