The Blinding of Elymas

When Elymas tried to stop the Gospel being preached, the Lord struck him blind. It is never smart to oppose God. He will be victorious every time.

The Blinding of Elymas

This week's devotions are written by my friend Jessica Hermann, former director of our college ministry at Great Hills Baptist Church.

- Pastor Danny

This week, we have been reading through stories in the book of Acts that I recently saw depicted on some large tapestries at a nearby villa. Though there are seven tapestries, we only have time this week to consider five of them. Today we will read the story of the proconsul and Elymas.

"When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, 'You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.' Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord."

(Acts 13:6-12)

This short story is one that is often overlooked next to some of the other very well-known stories from the book of Acts. It may seem a peculiar cast of characters: a government official who is open to the Gospel, a magician, Paul, and Barnabas converging in this moment. In this story, two things stand out to me:

1. Nothing can stop a movement of God.

When Elymas tried to hinder the word of God from going forth, the Lord struck him blind. It is never a good idea to oppose God. He will be victorious every single time. If you are in opposition to God, I implore you to repent. For the Christian, be encouraged today: God's hand is strong, and with just a word, He can strike down His enemies and tear down walls to someone hearing and receiving the Gospel. I find it amazing how the Lord intervenes in this situation. We see that the proconsul is interested in the Gospel, but this magician is trying to interfere and stop his conversion. In great love, the Lord removes the forces of evil trying to work against this Gospel presentation and subsequent salvation! When God is moving, nothing can stop Him from fulfilling His plans.

2. The Teaching of the Gospel is Powerful.

After Elymas was struck blind, Luke records that the proconsul believed. Surprisingly, the text does not say that the proconsul believed because he was amazed at the miracle he witnessed or God's power that was on display. He wasn't shocked or scared into believing. The text says that he believed because he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Miracles are so encouraging to read in the Scriptures, and they still happen today. God does miracles when it is His will to do so. However, the Word of God is powerful, and the teaching of the Gospel changes lives. The Word of God is sufficient in revealing the way of salvation to us and the Scriptures don't need any help. Witnessing miracles is amazing, but without Gospel teaching, nobody could be saved, because "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

I am reminded through the blinding of Elymas that I too was once spiritually blind. But the Lord opened my eyes, just as He opened the proconsul's eyes. That is such grace. He can open the eyes of all who would believe! I encourage you to pray for someone you know today who is spiritually blind, that they would see Jesus for who He is!

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Podcast of the Week

Life Principles: #19: Holding Too Tightly

Pastor Danny continues his series exploring his favorites of Dr. Charles Stanley's Life Principles. Today he dives into Principle #19: Holding Too Tightly.

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