Morning Manna | Acts 14:19-22 | Resurrection Power

"And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:19-22)

This morning, we’ve read about the stoning of Paul at Lystra. Many believe that the heavenly vision Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 was experienced during this time. The timeline fits, as Paul states in 2 Corinthians that the event occurred "above fourteen years ago," which aligns closely with his time in Lystra. Some believe Paul actually died, went to heaven, and was resurrected. Others think he was simply unconscious, experienced the vision, and woke up. Personally, I lean toward the belief that Paul died and was resurrected, though this cannot be proven. What is certain, however, is that whether he was resurrected or not, Paul was undoubtedly operating in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

This account teaches us profound truths about living and serving in the resurrection power of Christ and what it requires. First, it reminds us that a cross always comes before a resurrection. The Cross of Calvary preceded the resurrection, and we as Christians are called to follow in our Lord's footsteps.

Jesus’ Cross was voluntary, and ours will be too. No man took Jesus’ life from Him—He said, “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.” Nor was He forced by God the Father. As He prayed in the garden, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine.” Similarly, Jesus will not force a cross upon you. His words to us are, “Take up your cross and follow me,” and, “If any man will be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow me.” Men may place a cross upon you, but the Lord will not. Yet, if you desire to be His disciple, you must willingly take it up and follow Him. As Romans 12:1 says, "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."

Jesus’ Cross was also sacrificial—it was for the good of others and to please God. Likewise, the cross we bear will be for the good of others and to glorify the God who calls us to it. Your cross will cost you rather than benefit you directly. Others will be blessed by it, but it will come at the expense of your strength, pride, and possibly even your very life. This is the precursor to living for Christ: dying with Christ. If you want to live in resurrection power, you must take up your cross, die to self, and bury your hopes, dreams, and ambitions. It may seem as though life is gone—and in a sense, it is—but this is when the power of God is made perfect in our lifeless frames.

If Paul indeed experienced that heavenly vision during this time, it would explain what happened when he rose from the pile of stones. The very next day, he was back to preaching the same gospel that had nearly cost him his life. Remarkably, after preaching in Derbe, Paul returned to Lystra to strengthen the believers, ordain elders, and entrust the churches to God’s care. Such boldness and perseverance show us the power available to Christians who have died to self. When your life is no longer your own, Christ’s life becomes manifest in you. This vision likely shaped Paul’s life, driving him to live out his declaration, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

You may be fearing the cross the Lord has called you to bear. Remember, He won’t force it upon you. But if you never die to self, you’ll never experience resurrection power. I’ve had moments in my life when I’ve had to crucify my dreams, ambitions, and even my reputation. It felt as though all life had drained out of me, but through those little crosses, I’ve tasted the resurrection life—the life of Christ lived through me.

Dear Christian, if you long to serve God in power, even in the face of opposition and death itself, you can. Take up your cross and follow Him. It will lead you to death, but after death comes resurrection.