February 10th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Acts 19:11-20 (NRSV)
Paul heals the sick
God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit said to them in reply, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered them all, and so overpowered them that they fled out of the house naked and wounded. When this became known to all residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, everyone was awestruck; and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised. Also many of those who became believers confessed and disclosed their practices. A number of those who practiced magic collected their books and burned them publicly; when the value of these books was calculated, it was found to come to fifty thousand silver coins. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Reflection
God's work is not magic, it's not a trick. God was working through Paul. People try to take the credit for something that doesn't belong to them. They share the tricks of the trade and pretend that it was all their idea. You can't do this with God! When God works in and through you, you can't take the credit for it.

Besides, it's a wonderful joy to have God work in and through you. You don't even desire the credit. Once you realize the impact God has had on your life through the life of Jesus, and the gifts of the Spirit, it's not about you any longer. Your joy and desire is to bring glory to God.

Magic is for entertainment, God is for life. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
May all I do or say glorify you, oh Lord... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen