God Knows…When Somebody Doesn’t Trust Me – Part 1
The life story of John Mark is woven into the story of Paul. In John Mark’s story we can see a case of trust, trust betrayed, and trust regained. If I’ve messed up and now somebody doesn’t trust me, I can watch for this thread in the story and find hints to help me cope with the situation.
John Mark and Barnabas were relatives. John Mark and his mother were Christians living in Jerusalem. One day when Barnabas and Paul were guests in their home, John Mark volunteered to assist them on their upcoming trip. So he traveled back toward Antioch with them.
The island of Cyprus was their first destination. Since Barnabas was from Cyprus originally (Acts 4:36), he and Mark may have had some relatives and friends there. The ruler of Cyprus, Sergius Paulus, lived in Paphos, since it was the capital city. Hearing about the visitors, he sent for them. Paul and Barnabas were happy to share the good news of Jesus Christ with this intelligent man.
But Satan wants people to stay on his side of the battle between right and wrong. He didn’t give up easily when he saw that Sergius Paulus was being drawn to Christ. The court fortune teller and sorcerer heard what Paul and Barnabas were preaching. He had worked magic and cast spells for the island ruler. The sorcerer tried to keep Sergius Paulus also from seeing the truth. After all, if the ruler became a Christian, he would put his trust in Christ, not in the predictions and incantations of a sorcerer. Somebody would be out of a job!
Paul looked straight at the sorcerer and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” Better than anybody else, Paul knew that this period of blindness could give the man an opportunity to think and repent.
Immediately the sorcerer became blind. But Sergius Paulus saw clearly. He believed. And he accepted the truth of God that day.
Your Story Hour
PO Box 15
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
1-800-987-8854 (USA)
269-471-3701
info@yourstoryhour.org
For more information about this ministry please visit their website YourStoryHour.org or listen to their radio program on OnePlace.com.
