THURSDAY

Acts 13:6-12

• Why was deceitfulness so serious in this situation?

The story of Bar-Jesus is a dramatic story of a man who is confronted with the consequences of his deceit. Acts tells us that Bar-Jesus manipulated the governor, Sergius Paulus, to keep him from believing in Jesus. Bar-Jesus, or Elymas, was so intent on keeping the governor from becoming a Christian that he tried to censor Paul’s visit, knowing that Paul was a convincing testament to the power of the Holy Spirit.

When Paul appears on the scene, he’s fed up. He sees exactly what’s going on and confronts Elymas boldly: “Then [Paul] said, ‘You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.’ Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him.”

There are few stories like this in the Bible (though, because they’re so disturbing, often receive disproportionate attention in study). Stories where God instantly punishes someone are rare. But they’re in the Bible, and they almost always have something in common. The crime committed varies, but almost always is anchored in one glaring sin: taking advantage of someone, often someone who is extremely vulnerable.

It would be an uphill task to argue that the governor is a marginalized character in any way: he had power, privilege, and influence. But God seems to get extra angry when exploitation in any form takes place. Elymas manipulated someone for his own agenda.

Is there anyone in your life that you may be taking advantage of–consciously or subconsciously?