In The Spotlight!

“YOU THE MAN!” Is that statement intended to note someone as being macho! They showed their stuff. They displayed what they could do. And perhaps the response is sometimes, “YA, I’M THE MAN!” Attention was received. Notoriety was enjoyed. Ego was built up to a point of almost exploding. Are they THE MAN?

People can do many things that bring the spotlight into their lives whether that is intended or not. Honoring people for accomplishments can encourage even greater accomplishments. However, when the focus remains too much on self there are problems that can arise. This is no more true than in the realm of spiritual things. Yes, it is a good thing for the evidence of salt and light to be seen in our life, but even that is to be done to ultimately bring glory to God. ( Matthew 5:13-16)

While Paul and Barnabas were preaching the Good News of Jesus in Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been crippled from birth. ( Acts 14:8-10) To say the crowd was impressed would be an understatement. They were in awe. They were so focused on Paul and Barnabas that they gave them the names of Greek gods; calling Paul Hermes because he was the chief speaker and Barnabas Zeus. ( Acts 14:12) Then the priest of Zeus even began preparing a sacrifice with the crowds.

Note the response of Barnabas and Paul.
“(14) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, (15) ‘Men, why are you doing these things? WE ALSO ARE MEN, of like nature with you, and WE BRING YOU GOOD NEWS, that you should TURN FROM THESE VAIN THINGS TO A LIVING GOD, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.’” ( Acts 14:14-15 ESV)

In Luke’s record of Acts he noted how even with these words it was difficult to keep the people from sacrificing to them. ( Acts 14:18) Neither Barnabas nor Paul saw themselves as “THE MAN” to be exalted. They were merely the messengers!

Who is THE MAN to gain the attention? Referring to a contrast between Adam and Jesus, Paul wrote…

“(15) But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by THE GRACE OF THAT ONE MAN JESUS CHRIST abounded for many. (16) And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. (17) If, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the ABUNDANCE OF GRACE and the FREE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS reign in life THROUGH THE ONE MAN JESUS CHRIST.” ( Romans 5:15-17 ESV)

JESUS CHRIST is THE MAN and more so the Son of God Who needs to be acknowledged and accepted by all. Let us focus our aim on being the messenger as we point the attention of others to THE MAN JESUS CHRIST. The attention must be focused away from us to Him because…

“(5) For there is ONE GOD, and there is ONE MEDIATOR between God and men, THE MAN CHRIST JESUS, (6) who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” ( 1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV)

As great and God glorifying as our works might be, may we continually strive to lift the focus higher than ourselves. Jesus came in the flesh and has shown His stuff! He has revealed what He can do! He can be trusted to the end. May all eyes be fixed upon Him!

Have a great day LIVING TO HELP OTHERS SEE JESUS!
Carl

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