February 3, 2023 -- Acts 13:1-3 -- The Acts of the Apostles: worship, prayer and fasting and the spread of the Gospel

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Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:1-3 ESV

This is one of those short little passages which are all together too easy to quickly read and then go on to something “bigger” or more interesting. Notice the beautiful things God is doing by His Spirit in the grace of Jesus’ reconciling work.

First, there is a church in Antioch. It a gathering of believers called out from the world and called according to the purposes of God the Father. In a relatively short time since the out-pouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, the powerful Good News about Jesus Christ has reached out from Jerusalem, flowed through Judea and is now going beyond the borderlands of the Jewish people.

Second, look at the names of those mentioned in the passage. See how the work of the Spirit affects people from many social strata, different lands and races. Manaen, who is in the court of Herod the Tetrarch as his friend, is a Christian.

Third, the worship of God included fasting. Something rarely mentioned in our Christian circles today. When believers fast they deny themselves food for a designated period, say 24 hours. The hunger pangs remind them to pray. Instead of eating, one reads and prays, and then carries on with regular duties and responsibilities.

Finally, the Spirit of God directs the people who are in Jesus’ Kingdom to go where He directs and the Spirit equips such servants with all they need. You can understand that those who had been called to worship, prayer and fasting, would, after Saul and Barnabas leave on their missionary journey, continue to pray for these men and the success of their mission.

What is hindering your communication with God? Are you binge watching shows? Are you busy with video games? Are you involved in sports or watching sports to the point it is blocking your relationship with God? What is God’s Spirit teaching you through these words today? Listen. Obey. Praise Him that God the Glorious continues to direct His people.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Thank You for the work of Your Spirit, carrying the wonderful news of Jesus Christ and His salvation far and wide. Thank You, merciful Father, for those sent by Your Spirit who taught us the magnificence of Your love which shines through the radiance of and reconciling work of Jesus Christ. As you continue to feed Your people by the Word help us to be satisfied in You such that the baubles and distractions of this world fade from prominence and our devotion to You takes hold of us ever more fully and completely. Send us out as teachers and mentors of the reconciling grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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