God Is Still “Meddling” in Our Affairs - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.
Acts 16:20-21

God Is Still "Meddling" in Our Affairs
It all started with an extraordinary girl—a soothsayer. Perhaps Paul and Silas should have appreciated the free publicity as she followed them, shrieking, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation." But they didn't! Recognizing her as a slave of Satan and a victim of some unscrupulous profiteers, they would not accept her advertisements. The result? They commanded her release in the name of Jesus Christ. The girl was set free by God's power.

But then the action became hot and heavy. Sinful man will tolerate slavery, immorality, and blasphemy. He will also tolerate their opposites; but not when it begins to interfere with his personal interests. Just at this point Paul and Silas committed the unpardonable sin as far as the girl's masters were concerned. They had eliminated their source of profit! It reminds me of a staunch old church member who loved to hear preaching against vices—until the preacher touched on his own. Then he cried, "Now preacher, you've stopped preaching and started meddling!"

Paul and Silas had become guilty of "meddling." Thirty years earlier the Lord Jesus Christ had been found guilty of "meddling" and was condemned to death amid an angry mob, who shouted, "We will not have this Man to rule over us!" Thankfully, His "meddling" did not end with the grave. He rose triumphant over it and sent out a whole crew of "meddlers" who turned the Roman Empire upside down. God is still "meddling" in human affairs. He loves us too much to leave us alone. When we turn to Him, His "meddling" turns into joyful release from sin.

Grant W. Steidl