“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the
Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to
which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their
hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3
I’ll admit it. I’m selfish. I like my possessions. I
want to be comfortable. I find security in my friendships. I don’t like
change. I seek stability in this life
that isn’t promised nor guaranteed, but yet, I want it, crave it. And time and
time again, I learn the hard way that there is only one thing that is
rock-solid reliable, ALL the time. That is my God.
When I read these verses in Acts, as the Holy Spirit sets
apart Barnabas and Saul, (later to become Paul) and calls them to a very
special work, I ask myself, “Where are the verses about the people of Antioch
going home to pout over losing their dear friends? Didn’t they argue with God?
Question their call? Or plead Him not to take them from their congregation?”
As I ponder the commitment and intensity of these two
men, I can only fathom the massive influence they must have had on the church
at Antioch. Saul had experienced the transforming power of God, and was on
fire! I imagine there was some reluctance brewing somewhere about losing them,
as well as some pouting, arguing, questioning, and pleading. I mean, I’m guilty
of those things when faced with uncomfortable changes, so why wouldn’t they?
Then I see their response, and am humbled. There was no
tantrum, or even hesitation, only selfless surrender to the direction of the
Holy Spirit. They fasted, prayed, laid their hands on them, and sent them out. They
responded at once with integrity to this major change in their lives.
If I’m truly serious about making God number one in my
life, I must be willing to give up my possessions, lifestyle, or even
relationships to obey Him. I also want to support those I care about even if it
means personal sacrifice. The selfless surrender of the people at Antioch
allowed Paul to begin the journey that would lead him to become the greatest
missionary of the early church. I never want to stand in the way of something
like that. I will surrender, even when it hurts.
1.) Think about
the important people in your life, and the diverse way God has gifted each one
of them. Have you ever been tempted to discourage them from obeying God because
it would make your life uncomfortable? Did
you give in to that temptation?
2.) God has a
different plan and purpose for each of us. Do you find it difficult to support
those with a calling radically different than your own? If so, how can you
become more intentional in encouraging them, despite your difficulty?
3.) Do you earnestly
seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit regarding the lives of your friends, as
the people of Antioch did for Barnabas and Saul?
4.) How can you
actively support the various ministries of your friends and family today?
No comments:
Post a Comment