About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. (Acts 19:23-26)
In Acts 19:19 the Ephesians who practiced witchcraft showed God they loved him by burning their scrolls, worth about $4,000,000 in today’s money, containing spells and the how-to’s of practicing witchcraft. Sorcery was their livelihood, but they trusted God to for a new source of income.
The Ephesians led by Demetrius were unwilling to empty their pockets of silver gods and money.. They could’ve made silver jewelry instead of idols but were so unwilling to change they create a mob mentality against Paul by mixing partial truths with a trigger. They fought Paul and God to keep their pockets lined.
In this Christmas season we celebrate the gift of Jesus. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. God doesn’t need our money, so the only meaningful gift we can give in return is to become more like Jesus. What can you give up to honor him?
Father, I love You and praise You for the gift of Jesus. Give me the power of Your Holy Spirit to give up ____________ to honor You and become more like Jesus. In His name, I pray, amen.