A Word from Acts 13

Imagine, if you will, this scenario. You come to church on Sunday; and right in the middle of worship, the Holy Spirit puts it in the hearts of your church family that you've been called to do something special for the kingdom. And so, they pray and lay their hands on you, and send you off.

Sound unlikely? Well, maybe and maybe not! Because that's exactly what happens in today's word from Acts Chapter 13. The believers in Antioch "were worshiping the Lord and fasting, and the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I've called them.' And so, after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." (13:2-3)

Of course, you might say, "Well, I'm no Barnabas or Saul. And I certainly don't feel like I've got what it takes to be 'sent' anywhere." And yet, as the passage we'll be looking at this Sunday reminds us (see Acts 1:8), you have been promised the power of the Spirit. And not only that, but you've also been promised that you'll be a witness, beginning right where you are. 

You see, all of us are sent! And while we may or may not end up going to other cities or countries, we can go to our home, our workplace, and to all the shops, gyms, restaurants, and other hang-outs where daily life takes place. And we can let the Spirit use us, just as He's promised to do.

Back in Acts 13, Barnabas and Paul...went! Having been sent, they were obedient to God's call. So, will you be obedient today? And will we, together, allow the Spirit to use us to make God's kingdom come and God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven? 

May we all respond, "Here I am. Send me." Amen.