Servants of the Most High God.

Acts 16:16-19, As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.

Even though this spirit was expressing the truth about Paul and the others, they did not want to be associated with it. No wonder Paul became annoyed! The truth must be proclaimed with integrity in order to be effective. And even though this girl was set free from a demonic spirit, they are forced to pay a price. Are we ready to proclaim the truth with integrity, even if there is a price to be paid?

Give us the strength to proclaim Your truth with integrity even if there is a price to be paid.

ESV Lectionary