Quiet Contemplation - Day 58

Acts 19:32 (NIV)

The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.

            The account of the riot at Ephesus is recorded in Acts 19:23-41 and it is striking similar to what is happening in our news today. One disgruntled individual stirs up a group, the group grows out of control, and most people causing the destruction don’t even know what the reason is supposed to be. Acts of violent public disorder and disturbances are occurring in many of our major cities across our nation. It was wrong then in Paul’s day nearly 2000 years ago, and it is just as wrong today in the year 2020.

            This actually ties in nicely with yesterday’s devotion. You see, the riot began with Demetrius, a silversmith with a lucrative business making and selling idols, (v. 24). Paul preached that man-made gods were no gods at all, (v. 26), sound familiar? Demetrius feared his business would become less profitable if people stopped buying his idols, so his method of problem-solving was inciting others to rally around his personal cause.

            They say a good writer should know their target audience. I think I have a pretty good idea that most of you reading Quiet Contemplation are seniors, and most of you live nowhere near the major cities where violent protests are occurring. So why would I choose this topic? The answer is simple. I think I really do have a pretty good idea of my target audience—we are the seniors, the ones who understand the value of prayer!

            In the Ephesus incident, it was the local town clerk who used common sense to quiet the crowd. Now to be clear, the clerk’s motivation was self-preservation because his reputation and job might suffer at the hands of Rome should the riots continue. He wasn’t thinking about Paul. But God can use the most unlikely people in the most unusual ways—in this particular case, even the actions a self-centered town clerk trying to save his own skin paved the way for Paul’s evangelical work to continue. We, likewise, can pray that those with common sense will come forward to quiet the violent crowds in our nation’s cities. Then pray for the courage and safety for those called to spread the gospel in those areas. Pray that God’s work might continue and that as a result many will be saved.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Your word can teach us so many things relevant in our lives today. I never cease to be amazed at the timeliness of the Bible’s message. Thank you for opportunities to serve you. As seniors, we accept the call to be active in prayer, for we know you hear and respond.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!