September 26, 2014 Acts 13:1-3, NKJV Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Fridays with the Apostle Paul Here is perhaps the most pivotal moment recorded in the book of Acts. Its time---time for the expansive work among the Gentiles to begin. So the leaders of the church at Antioch send Saul and Barnabas to their extraordinary futures. Now such a moment shouldnt be presumed easy. These leaders had to understand that Gods plan exceeded their location. While we grasp this easily today, sending missionaries like this hadnt occurred much to this point. And sending them to the Gentiles would have been a bit controversial too. The decisions to be made concerning how the Gentiles fit into the Church had yet to be resolved or even significantly discussed. This was a journey into the true unknown, and yet these people were listening to God. Theres the essence of a life of faith---listening to, and believing, God when all the pieces arent in place. Faith isnt about the confidence we have in knowing the answers. Faith is believing God when the answers arent evident. These people were launching their friends into a life of unknown experiences, destinations, and challenges to be resolved. But this was the plan of God, one they proved willing to embrace by faith. So it is with your life. Dont demand answers before moving forward in faith. Instead, trust the voice of God in your heart and life and He will surely prove faithful to His Word. ---Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:05:03 +0000
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