ACTS 13:1-3

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007

DOES GOD STILL DO THIS?

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:1-3 (NKJV)

In earlier devotions I have commented on finding new words of faith as I reread passages. As I was reading through the Bible, I read this passage as if for the first time. I know that it is not the first time I have read this, as it is the beginning of the ministry and missionary journey of Saul who is now called, Paul.

These three short verses have just as much meaning and present an equally important challenge to us as they did in that day to the Church at Antioch. These prophets and teachers were gathered together in ministry and fasting when the Holy Spirit came to them and said (in Ron’s words) “I need Barnabas and Saul to be about the work for which I have called them.” That’s all the others needed to hear. It does not say that they asked why, or where or when? The verse says they fasted, prayed, laid their hands in blessing on Barnabas and Paul and sent them on their way.

DOES GOD STILL DO THIS? This is the important question that comes from these verses. This is a question that we must struggle with! If we determine that GOD DOES STILL DO THIS, then we must be ready to respond.

IS THERE STILL A NEED? Paul and Barnabas were called and sent to take the Gospel to many cities where the need for the Good News of the Saving Grace of God was so desperately needed. 45 years ago, when I was Ordained into the ministry, there were some years when not all who were eligible for Ordination could receive a Letter of Call to serve a Congregation. The reason was that there were not enough congregations seeking a Pastor. Today in the denomination where I am on the Clergy Roster there are many hundreds of Congregations praying that somehow, someway they can have a Pastor come and serve them. This is in spite of the fact that there are fewer congregations than there were 45 years ago. In the Roman Catholic Church and in many Protestant denominations, churches are being closed or merged with others because there are not enough Pastors available. YES, THERE IS A NEED!

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? When is the last time the leaders of your church have spent time together in prayer asking God’s guidance for each of them and the people they serve? Maybe your answer was “Never.” Maybe your answer was “We had a leaders retreat a few years ago, and we had a real good time along with the prayer sessions.” Maybe your answer was “We are so busy we can’t fit something like that into our schedule.” THAT IS THE PROBLEM.

These verses may not lead to deep insights of Study but they can challenge us. The need for Pastors and Missionaries is GREAT today for how shall people know the Word of God, unless someone brings it to them, unless someone leads them to the Green Pastures of God’s Word? YES, GOD STILL DOES CALL PEOPLE TO FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Unfortunately the noise of the world, the drive to accumulate worldly goods, and many other things drown out the gentle call of God. Maybe the greatest lesson we can learn from these verses is to “BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!”

WE PRAY: Lord, I enjoy having conversations with others. Lead me to the joy of talking with you and discovering those “Somethings” that you want me to do. AMEN.

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Pray daily that people will listen and respond when God calls them to serve Him. Pray for specific people and pray for specific callings such as Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Leader, people to serve in Evangelism, youth work, social ministries, etc.