"From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem." Acts 13:13.
It was at this juncture in their journey that Paul was recognized as the leader, and Barnabas is henceforth referred to as one of "his companions." Barnabas, to his credit, was able to recognize Paul's leadership, allowing him to become the point person, while Barnabas stepped back.
Barnabas seemed to have been comfortable with serving in whatever position he found himself in, while it seemed that John, called John Mark, left the group under questionable circumstances, and returned to Jerusalem. We only know of the problems from a future conflict between Paul and Barnabas concerning John Mark (Acts 15). Barnabas was committed to the current mission, whether he was in the lead or not. He was committed to seeing Jesus lifted up – rather than being concerned with his own recognition. It was all about Jesus, not Barnabas.
This challenges me, as I know that, at times, my ego gets in the way, and I desire to receive recognition. While I want Jesus to get the recognition, I also know that I would like some, too. Yet, it is a good discipline for me to stop, intentionally step to the background, and let Jesus be the focus.
Questions to consider: When was the last time that you remember intentionally stepping back - becoming one of "his companions" – and allowing Jesus to be the center of attention? What was that experience like for you? What do you need to do to continue to allow Jesus to be in the forefront?
Prayer: Father, it's all about You. It's all about lifting Jesus up and having Him be the central focus of my life. Help me to be one of "His companions" in this journey. Amen.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 22, 2010 - Acts 13:11b
“Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.” Acts 13:11b.
Blindness came on the sorcerer, Elymus. He had opposed Paul’s message as Paul delivered the good news concerning Jesus to Sergius Paulus, the regional governor. Paul knew that Elymus’ distractions were keeping Sergius Paulus from responding to the message, so he had to deal with the distraction. While this demonstration of God’s power was clear and evident, it was not the only factor that moved this ruler to commit himself to follow Jesus. It was in conjunction with Paul’s teaching that the Holy Spirit had used to penetrate his heart.
If I had witnessed this blindness coming upon someone as it did in this passage, it would have certainly gotten my attention. I do believe that I would have been so distracted by that incident that I would have missed the message. Yet just the opposite was necessary for Sergius Paulus. He needed Elymus to be silenced in order for his heart to be reached. In a sense, this example is only one of many different ways to present the message, and it is vitally important that we have a sense from God which direction He have us to go. There is not a “one-size-fits-all” method or formula, but instead, a need for us to connect and hear from God and to connect with those around us.
Questions to consider: How did God reach you? What “method” did He use to touch your heart? What various ways have you used to share God’s message with those around you? How have you sensed God’s direction in what to share?
Prayer: Father, thank You for touching my heart with Your message. Help me to sense how You desire for me to share the message of Jesus with others. Amen.
Blindness came on the sorcerer, Elymus. He had opposed Paul’s message as Paul delivered the good news concerning Jesus to Sergius Paulus, the regional governor. Paul knew that Elymus’ distractions were keeping Sergius Paulus from responding to the message, so he had to deal with the distraction. While this demonstration of God’s power was clear and evident, it was not the only factor that moved this ruler to commit himself to follow Jesus. It was in conjunction with Paul’s teaching that the Holy Spirit had used to penetrate his heart.
If I had witnessed this blindness coming upon someone as it did in this passage, it would have certainly gotten my attention. I do believe that I would have been so distracted by that incident that I would have missed the message. Yet just the opposite was necessary for Sergius Paulus. He needed Elymus to be silenced in order for his heart to be reached. In a sense, this example is only one of many different ways to present the message, and it is vitally important that we have a sense from God which direction He have us to go. There is not a “one-size-fits-all” method or formula, but instead, a need for us to connect and hear from God and to connect with those around us.
Questions to consider: How did God reach you? What “method” did He use to touch your heart? What various ways have you used to share God’s message with those around you? How have you sensed God’s direction in what to share?
Prayer: Father, thank You for touching my heart with Your message. Help me to sense how You desire for me to share the message of Jesus with others. Amen.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 15, 2010 - Acts 13:10a
“’You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!’” Acts 13:10a
In Paphos, Cyprus, the ruler of the region desired to hear from Barnabas and Saul, now known as Paul. A sorcerer named Elymas, who influenced this ruler, spoke against Barnabas and Paul while they proclaimed the message of God. Paul confronted Elymas, calling him a “child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!” Paul, in his boldness, was not going to allow false accusations to get in the way of the message God had for them to deliver, so he spoke sternly to this man, and nothing was going to get in his way.
While Paul’s manner seems abrasive and harsh, he effectively silenced his adversary and, with boldness, delivered God’s message to the people. Was Paul too harsh in his dealings with this sorcerer, or was his method warranted? I would struggle with being so bold, yet I see that there are times when similar boldness would be required. My hope is that I would be more concerned about what God thinks of me rather than worrying about what people think of me. I know some people who are abrasive by nature, and it seems that they don’t particularly care about what God or people think. And I know some others who are more concerned about what people think. I tend towards the latter group. May God give me (and you, if you identify!) boldness in His proper time.
Questions to consider: How would you have handled yourself if you were in a similar situation to Paul’s? If you struggle with boldness, are you aware of why you do? What is the right balance between being too abrasive and being too reserved?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to speak Your word boldly when I sense Your leading. Give me the courage to speak boldly when necessary. Amen.
In Paphos, Cyprus, the ruler of the region desired to hear from Barnabas and Saul, now known as Paul. A sorcerer named Elymas, who influenced this ruler, spoke against Barnabas and Paul while they proclaimed the message of God. Paul confronted Elymas, calling him a “child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!” Paul, in his boldness, was not going to allow false accusations to get in the way of the message God had for them to deliver, so he spoke sternly to this man, and nothing was going to get in his way.
While Paul’s manner seems abrasive and harsh, he effectively silenced his adversary and, with boldness, delivered God’s message to the people. Was Paul too harsh in his dealings with this sorcerer, or was his method warranted? I would struggle with being so bold, yet I see that there are times when similar boldness would be required. My hope is that I would be more concerned about what God thinks of me rather than worrying about what people think of me. I know some people who are abrasive by nature, and it seems that they don’t particularly care about what God or people think. And I know some others who are more concerned about what people think. I tend towards the latter group. May God give me (and you, if you identify!) boldness in His proper time.
Questions to consider: How would you have handled yourself if you were in a similar situation to Paul’s? If you struggle with boldness, are you aware of why you do? What is the right balance between being too abrasive and being too reserved?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to speak Your word boldly when I sense Your leading. Give me the courage to speak boldly when necessary. Amen.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April 8, 2010 - Acts 13:6a
“They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos.” Acts 13:6a.
After leaving Antioch on their first missionary journey, Barnabas and Paul landed on the island of Cyprus. They made their way from the eastern edge of the island to the city of Paphos, approximately 100 miles away. This travel was not done by car or even horseback, but by foot. And often, the roads traveled were hilly and over rough terrain, making their travels even tougher. Bands of robbers would roam the countryside, making travel dangerous. Yet Barnabas and Paul pressed on in the journey God called them to do, despite these risks and dangers.
Barnabas and Paul left the relative comfort of their lives in Antioch to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to people who had never heard this message before. It was dangerous, yet adventurous. There may have been a few times when I would have been willing to take that journey, but, sadly, I think that I would hesitate to go now for fear of my safety or, even worse, for fear of my personal comfort. Yet, adventures of all descriptions await me whenever I step out of my comfort zone to follow God’s leading.
Questions to consider: What would it take for you to step out of your comfort zone and to get out on the road for God’s adventure? What have you done in your life to get off your sofa and get out into the world?
Prayer: Father, thank You for calling me to be on the journey with You. Help me to be willing to follow Your leading anywhere, even if it involves risk and taking me out of my personal comfort zone. Amen.
After leaving Antioch on their first missionary journey, Barnabas and Paul landed on the island of Cyprus. They made their way from the eastern edge of the island to the city of Paphos, approximately 100 miles away. This travel was not done by car or even horseback, but by foot. And often, the roads traveled were hilly and over rough terrain, making their travels even tougher. Bands of robbers would roam the countryside, making travel dangerous. Yet Barnabas and Paul pressed on in the journey God called them to do, despite these risks and dangers.
Barnabas and Paul left the relative comfort of their lives in Antioch to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to people who had never heard this message before. It was dangerous, yet adventurous. There may have been a few times when I would have been willing to take that journey, but, sadly, I think that I would hesitate to go now for fear of my safety or, even worse, for fear of my personal comfort. Yet, adventures of all descriptions await me whenever I step out of my comfort zone to follow God’s leading.
Questions to consider: What would it take for you to step out of your comfort zone and to get out on the road for God’s adventure? What have you done in your life to get off your sofa and get out into the world?
Prayer: Father, thank You for calling me to be on the journey with You. Help me to be willing to follow Your leading anywhere, even if it involves risk and taking me out of my personal comfort zone. Amen.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Easter, 2010
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Matt. 27:50-51.
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” John 20:1.
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Luke 24:6-7.
“’But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.’” Acts 2:24.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.” Amen. Heb. 13:20-21.
I hope that each of you have an Easter season full of wonder and awe at the incredible price our loving God paid. For, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Happy Easter to you!
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” John 20:1.
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Luke 24:6-7.
“’But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.’” Acts 2:24.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.” Amen. Heb. 13:20-21.
I hope that each of you have an Easter season full of wonder and awe at the incredible price our loving God paid. For, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Happy Easter to you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
