“And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, the gods are come down to us in the likeness of men” – Acts 14:11 (KJV).
Miracles often serve as sign to unbelievers making the gospel indeed a supernatural work. They often serve as undeniable proof of the power of the gospel. Where properly handled, miracles, signs and wonders could melt the people’s hardened heart making them to bow to the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation.
Though, miracles, signs and wonders do not save sinners, they could draw the attention of the sinner to the gospel. We see this in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. In this account, the people were dazed and humbled to see the impotent man, who had not walked from birth, leap and walk. They just knew that only the gods could do a thing like that. As a result of their belief in the hidden gods of Jupiter and Mercury, they ascribed the miracles to those powers as that was the only thing they could relate to.
Although, they were not referring to the true God, believers are gods in this world. The divine power is at work in believers. The Holy Spirit that indwell believers and their divine nature put them in the class of gods. They are super-natural beings with the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit.
When believers recognize who they truly are and the power at work in them, they will function or operate as gods in the likeness of men. They will begin to see themselves like God sees them, having tremendous power. “And the Lord said to Moses, see, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet”. Exodus 7:1 (KJV). “He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the scriptures cannot be broken)” – John 10:35(KJV). Where believers fail to acknowledge who they truly are, they will live and die like ordinary men. “I have said ye are gods: and all of you are children of the most high”. Psalm 82:6(KJV). As believers recognize the power deposit in them, they will cast out devils, exercise spiritual authority over all of God’s creations and truly function in their true capacity and identity as gods in this world.
PRAYER: Oh God, help me to function as god in my true identity in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu