Acts 19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
This passage of scripture teaches us about the snare of sheer numbers, by which many people follow the crowd in doing that which they have no clue or rational reason for doing or saying, by adopting that which is said and done by the popular majority. In this instance, a countywide uproar had developed over the teachings of Paul, and because he spoke against the sins of idolatry and graven images, many in that industry became incensed, and stoked the fears of the people who were also given to idolatrous image worship, and as a result a large gathering of people and protesters rushed into the main theater chanting in unison, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians". Let's read:
Acts 19:33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude"..... "And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. 34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
What is worthy of note in this instance, is that the majority of those gathered had no clue as to the issues involved, and apparently they cared not to know, once it became obvious that the popular uprising was gaining steam. And so, in harmony with the snare of numbers, they began chanting wildly with the mob, being totally ignorant of the reason why they were chanting and becoming angry and upset for no valid reason whatsoever. But one thing was certain, if every one was doing it, then they would do it too.
But this mode of thought and action is productive of great evils, for it carries with it a mob mentality, similar to the one which took hold on the people in Christ's day, and drove the masses to crucify The King of glory, just because everyone in the court of Caiaphas had agreed to do so. Hence the reason why Christ prayed as He did, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do". Furthermore, it is not only ill-advised, but also wrong to follow the crowd in doing evil, because sin is marked against our us if we indulge in this practice, even if we do it deliberately or ignorantly. Let's read:
Exodus 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.
Currently as we speak, the same mob mentality has taken hold of the masses, for millions upon millions are tripping over themselves to see pope Francis, a mere mortal, just like any other sinner on the planet, and although he may be revered and loved by many people the world over, yet under that veneer of supposed piety and humility, is a person who has followed in the footsteps of his predecessors, in usurping the High Priestly ministry of Jesus Christ, by the sacrilegious claim to forgive sins en-masse.
In addition to this signal act of blasphemy, the claim to have authority to make a person a saint, ups the ante to a whole new level, for by so doing, he declares to know what only God knows, and claims the rightful authority to place people in heaven or hell, according to his own finite judgment. But just as in the days of Paul, when the ignorant mob followed in the train of the instigators of that popular uprising, many today are following blindly, in a form of religion that is sure to bring this nation to its knees, literally, for if we are to support a cause or creed, just because it is popular to do so, and if we are found "Bowing" merely because everyone else is bowing, then we are setting ourselves up to be subjects of the overmastering delusions of satan, which are scheduled to take the world by storm in the very near future.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which warns us of this very scenario which will soon obtain across this nation in a popular uprising, a movement which will savor of a great religious awakening, but it is the will of God that we be not led about by popular tumults or or majority opinions as the case may be, but that we rather be led by the word of God, and the promptings of His Holy Spirit, so that we do not fall a prey to the deceptions of the last days. Let's read:
Revelation 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!