As we look deeper into Acts 19, we see that Satan tried every method to try to stop this spread of Christianity; but darkness could not hide the light of God. God in His Sovereignty will not allow it. Still, God will not override the choice one makes. How both fit together as true is something I cannot fully understand; but I trust one day I will. However, as we look closer at the events told of in this chapter, I think we must agree God will accomplish all that He has planned. That is true both in my life and in the world.
Near the beginning of the chapter we are introduced to a group of very devout men. They are busy about their work of teaching and preaching when Paul asks them if they knew the Holy Spirit? They did not. Because despite their devotion and their desire, they did not know the full truth of salvation. Satan would have loved for them to remain in their ignorance, falsely believing they were saved when they had not been. But God sent Paul to these men and they came to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Satan would love for men and women to live in a state of calling themselves Christians without really having ever come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Afterall almost saved is not saved at all. Satan can use such men and women to his advantage, as we see around us every day.
Darkness Could Not Hide the Light of God.
Then there came the mystics who having seen the power of Jesus Christ through healings and miracles. They wanted to tap into that power; but they did not know Jesus. Merely, they had witnessed the miracles of Paul and thought if they used the name of Christ, they too would become powerful. Not uncommon today either. So, these men went forth to exorcise a demon evoking the name of Jesus Christ. But even the demons know clearly who Jesus Christ is and must obey Him. Satan would have loved for the story to have been these mystics could call out the demons; but darkness could not hide the light of God. For Jesus Christ said “no” and the demons were not exorcised. Rather the mystics were attacked by the demons as they cried out, “we don’t know you”.
Ultimately, the mystics burned all their books of sorcery; because they feared Jesus Christ. They had seen His true power and they knew they had none. Instead of their darkness taking over the land, darkness could not hide the light of God.
Nor the Merchants
Ah, but you see next came a riot as the merchants and craftsmen who gained their money from selling idols revolted against the Christians. Afterall, as people got saved, the idolatrous worship of Dianna. Fearing that their sexual temples might be destroyed and their money diminished, they captured many of the Christians and a riot pursued. However, their work became thwarted when it was found they had no legal right to their claim and would have to try again in a legal manner for rioting was not allowed.
Once more the darkness could not hide the light of God. The same is true today. Oh, yes, we look around us and mourn for darkness appears to be overshadowing everything. The world has so blended the shadows of darkness until they appear to be light to some; but the true light of God cannot be so easily hidden. God does have a plan and we can trust that He will accomplish all that He has planned.
One day, every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11) Even the demons will bow one day; but it will be too late for their salvation.
Concluding thoughts:
One day every knee will bow. For darkness could not hide the light of God, not then and not ever will it. But the question is will you bow now, or will you only bow when it is too late; after, judgment is called. All who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will be saved. All who deny Him now, will for eternity be cast into hell with Satan and all his demons.
And for those of us who know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, thank God. Because no matter how dark a moment we may face, the darkness could not hide the light of God in our hearts. He is Sovereign and we have nothing to fear or worry. We are not alone, and He will complete the work He began in us.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
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