Scripture: Acts 13:4-12 Click here for the reading
Observation: Paul and Barnabas are sent out. They take with them John Mark. This will be an important aspect of the movement of missionaries upcoming disagreement. But here, the missionaries; Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark reveal the Lord's teaching to the governor of the land. This governor was being misled by a Jewish Sorcerer. This sorcerer was attempting to keep the governor from believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet Paul casts aside the sorcerer and strikes him bling, and the governor then believes.
Application: When I hear people talk about 'being missional' or 'reclaiming the apostolic church' or any other churchy words and phrases that helps us understand the movement of the Holy Spirit sending us out into the world to preach the Good News, these people seem really excited about doing this work. Being Sent is difficult work. We encounter all kinds of people not ready to receive what we think they should be happy to receive. being sent means not only encountering resistance but bold defiance. In being sent out one time, I encountered a belligerent drunk, who was close to pummeling me, even though I was not actively engaging him but others. Yet, in that sending, I relied on who was doing the sending not my own ability to engage in the defiance. it was an experience I am glad I had, but not one I hope to repeat. Verse one reminds us that Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit blows in different directions as we learn the very aspect of being sent. Being sent is not always happy classy work, and sometimes it is not even rewarding. BUT, it is always spirit driven.
Prayer: Lord for those who go by your spirit's sending, strengthen, encourage, and equip them for your work. Send us all out as your missionaries into a broken world in need of your good news!
Application: When I hear people talk about 'being missional' or 'reclaiming the apostolic church' or any other churchy words and phrases that helps us understand the movement of the Holy Spirit sending us out into the world to preach the Good News, these people seem really excited about doing this work. Being Sent is difficult work. We encounter all kinds of people not ready to receive what we think they should be happy to receive. being sent means not only encountering resistance but bold defiance. In being sent out one time, I encountered a belligerent drunk, who was close to pummeling me, even though I was not actively engaging him but others. Yet, in that sending, I relied on who was doing the sending not my own ability to engage in the defiance. it was an experience I am glad I had, but not one I hope to repeat. Verse one reminds us that Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit blows in different directions as we learn the very aspect of being sent. Being sent is not always happy classy work, and sometimes it is not even rewarding. BUT, it is always spirit driven.
Prayer: Lord for those who go by your spirit's sending, strengthen, encourage, and equip them for your work. Send us all out as your missionaries into a broken world in need of your good news!
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