Call Of God

Acts 13:2
“Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

This is one of the most important events in history. It marks the beginning of the missionary campaign to the church in Antioch. The results of this event brought the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, and changed the face of Western Civilization. History would forever be changed as a result of these two men responding to the call of God. A few things strike me about God’s call.

First, it did not seem, at the outset, to be something grand. We read that God spoke; probably through one of the men with the gift of prophecy. He was to tell Barnabas and Saul to do what the Lord told them to do. That is far from a life altering experience. No mention is made of the room shaking, or lights coming from heaven. It may have happened much like this . . . while they were praying, one of the guys might have said, “I think the Lord is telling Barnabas and Saul to do what He already told them to do.” It was a message reaffirming what Barnabas and Saul had already sensed; what God wanted for them. So the saints of Antioch laid hands on them and sent them away. It would not be until they walked in faith-filled obedience to His call, that they would realize what God had in store for them.

I am also struck by where God called them. Again, we read that before this prophecy was given, Barnabas and Saul had already sensed a desire, or call of God to go . When it was confirmed, they packed their bags, and headed off to Cyprus. Cyprus is an island that sat out in the Mediterranean Sea and was the home town of Barnabas. They were called to share Christ with the people Barnabas grew up with. I think it is natural that as we grow in Christ, we develop a desire to see our friends and loved ones come to Christ; and that is exactly where God called them.

Finally, notice how they received the call of God. We read they “ministered to the Lord and fasted.” Ministering to the Lord would include worshipful prayer, and fasting (denying of the flesh’s desires). They heard from God when they got their eyes on Him and sought Him. The call of God comes when we spend time with Jesus. Too often, we want to determine what God wants for us, and spend all our time asking others. If you want to hear from God, get alone with Him, seek Him until He speaks, then do what He says.

Who knows what God may call you to, and how that may change the world forever.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts05 13

“Ministering to Lord”, sometime we think of ministry as to people, yet in verse2 Luke tells us that they “ministered to the Lord”. The Lord created us for His glory that through us (the church); He might receive praise, honor and glory. Read Ephesians 1:5-6. How can you minister to the Lord today?
Verses 4-5, they were sent out by the Holy Spirit to preach the word. Sometimes we wonder what God is calling us to do. Did you know that you are called to preach the word? Maybe not as a pastor but as a believer in Christ, we are all called to proclaim the gospel. Read Matthew 28:19.
Verses 6-12, we read of an interesting account of Bar-Jesus (Elymas the sorcerer). We read that Elymas withstood them and sought to turn Sergius Paulus away from the faith. Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and rebuked him. Sergius was astonished, not at the miracle but at what?
Paul’s first teaching starts in verses 16-41. What similarities do you see here compared to Peter’s first teaching in Acts 2?
The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, a story all of us can tell. When was the last time you told this story (gospel means good news)?
Teaching God’s word brought many Gentiles to the Lord (verse 48). The Jews filled with envy; contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the thing Paul spoke (verse45). Acceptance and rejection. They grew BOLD! Are you growing bold or letting feelings dictate your attitude?
What does the last verse of this chapter say about Paul and Barnabas’s attitude?

Old Testament:
Joshua 15- Daily Walk
Joshua 16- Not Strong Enough