Acts 13:1-3 Barnabas and Saul Sent Off
1 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.
Do you ever consider what it would have been like to know Paul when he first started spreading the gospel? Trained and ordained not by men, but by Jesus, Paul began his first missionary journey in Antioch, in southern Turkey along with Barnabas, already an established leader in the church.
I grew up in in the age of tent revivals, where evangelists would travel from town to town and pitch huge tents filled with folding chairs. The preacher yelled out the Scripture, added some fire and brimstone, and if the Holy Spirit didn’t draw you to the kneeling rails, the fear of eternity in hell did.
In contrast, Paul, well educated and trained, strategically planted churches in urban areas near ports where the gospel spread quickly. And did you notice one vital part of Paul’s preparation that is all too often missing today? Before beginning their journey Paul and Barnabus, along with others, fasted and prayed.
Replacing a meal with prayer is a way to help us draw near to God. When we have an urgent need, approaching God with such humility and sacrifice can enable us to better receive His guidance.
May we purpose in our hearts to seek out God with intention and devotion so that we can hear from the Holy Spirit and accomplish His will.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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