Today’s Reading: Acts 13; Psalm 27

Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. – Acts 13:1-3

It was while they were worshiping the Lord that they received directions from God; it was while they were fasting that the Holy Spirit gave them a message. What a privilege to be called by God to do His work! What an honor to be surrounded by the community of believers as they encourage you to embrace your calling and as they pray for the journey ahead.

The next two chapters of Acts describe Barnabas and Paul’s first missionary journey from Antioch. Their experience varied from town to town and so did the response. When they arrived in Paphos, Paul and Barnabas met with the governor, Sergius Paulus. He was an intelligent man with a desire to hear the word of God, but there was a voice in his life that was distracting him.

Sometimes there are barriers or distractions in our lives preventing us from fully trusting in God. In the case of the governor, it was a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus (also known as Elymas) who was keeping him from finding faith in Jesus. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, identified the man for what he was — a tool of the devil and an enemy. Instantly mist and darkness came over his eyes and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. The distraction was silenced, and the governor became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord (Acts 13:6-12).

SOMETIMES WE FACE DISTRACTIONS ON OUR JOURNEY.

Next Paul and Barnabas ended up in Antioch of Pisidia, where they were invited to give a word of encouragement for the people during the weekly service in the synagogue. Paul reminded them of the history of Israel and how Jesus fulfilled many prophecies, how he was condemned instead of recognized and how God raised him from the dead.

“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God —something the law of Moses could never do. Be careful! Don’t let the prophets’ words apply to you. For they said, ‘Look, you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.’” – Acts 13:38-41

Paul’s message of grace was accepted and they were invited to stay for another week. The Gentiles were thankful for these missionaries and many became believers. Opposition arose, however, among the Jews and a mob ran Paul and Barnabas out of town. So they shook the dust off of their feet and went on to Iconium.

SOMETIMES WE FACE OPPOSITION ON OUR JOURNEY.

Let’s consider the experience of these men of God in order to be equipped for the opposition ahead of us. Things had been going so well for Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia. Their ministry was experiencing fruit as many were coming to believe in who Jesus was and accepting the message of salvation by grace. But SOME of the Jews were jealous and began slandering Paul, arguing against the message he was preaching. Sergius Paulus was distracted by ONE voice; the entire city showed up to hear Paul preach the word of the Lord, but SOME stirred up those with influence and incited a mob against them.

It was while they were worshiping the Lord that the apostles received directions from God; it was while they were fasting that the Holy Spirit gave them a message. It was while they were preaching that many came to believe in the Lord. And it was while their ministry was experiencing much fruit that the enemy began to use the voices of SOME to stir up trouble, opposing and distracting from what God had called them to do.

The volume of even one person in our life can become a distraction to the truth of God’s word if we do not silence it. The lies of a few jealous individuals can quickly taint the success of a ministry if we allow them to continue to stir up trouble. But, even though Paul and Barnabas went on to the next town, the believers left behind were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (13:52). They were thankful for the message they had received and continued to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, despite those who tried everything to keep them from believing. Paul and Barnabas had been called to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth and God was blessing their discipleship efforts.

Lord, help us to see past those who oppose your message so that we can see those who are growing in their faith. Help us to block out the words of discouragement and criticism so that we can hear the praises of your people. When the enemy tries to convince us that there is a majority against us, help us see the truth of the quantity regardless of the volume. Thank you for today’s reminder to focus on the fruit of the ministry rather than the thorns. Give us the strength to stay when we are supposed to stay, and give us the wisdom to leave when we are supposed to shake the dust off our feet and move on.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident. – Psalm 27:1-3