Acts 16:6-10 The Macedonian Call

Paul, in his second missionary journey, sets out from Antioch, his sending church. In the beginning of his journey, he visits some of the churches he had already planted in his first journey. What catches my attention is that Paul went back to the place where he was stoned and left for dead. It is a display of courage. Would I have gone back to a place where I had been mistreated? I don't know, but I pray that God would grant me the same courage. Courage is not lack of fear. Courage is the ability to act in the face of fear. Courage is to say "no" to the paralysis that fear wants to impose. Courage is the "stuff" great men are made of. In history, courage has been the main ingredient of great things.

Obviously, Paul's plan was to go to Asia to preach the Gospel, but the Holy Spirit forbade it! Paul's plan was thwarted by the Holy Spirit's plan. I am sure that Paul had it all figured out before he set out on his journey, but he had to make adjustments and adapt to the Holy Spirit's direction. Paul is sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit, not wanting to impose his own plan, but willing to change his plans and adapt to the will of the Spirit. Personally, I'm a planner and don't do very well when someone tries to thwart my plan. But I must make room for the Spirit's guidance in the best of my plans. Am I willing to listen to the Spirit, even if it means setting aside my plans?

Now the Holy Spirit grants Paul a vision in which a Macedonian calls him to help. Paul shares his vision with the team and they all conclude that God called them to preach the Gospel to the Macedonians. Again, there is a sensitivity and a willingness to please the Spirit of God. Paul demonstrates a great desire to please God above all else, no matter the cost. The trip to Macedonia required an additional boat trip that he probably did not have in mind. Paul was willing to do whatever was necessary to please the one who called him. Am I willing to please God at all cost? Would I allow the inconveniences of a change of course to stand in my way of pleasing him?

It is important to note also that Paul was a team player and not a dictator. The response to the Macedonian vision was not just Paul saying they had to go there, but the language used is that of "we" and "us." The other members of the team understood the vision spoke to them as well. They worked together as a unit to bring the Gospel to the Macedonians. They did not resent Paul's vision, but they felt part of the calling as well. It is important to work as a team to achieve a synergy that leads to greater accomplishments than trying to work as a "lone ranger." God uses teams and teamwork.

Father, fill me with courage to lead as I answer your calling. Fill me with your Spirit and help me be sensitive to his guidance willing to trash my plans for yours. Grant me a heart that desires to please you above all things at whatever cost. Teach me to be a good team leader that moves others to fulfill your call as well.

Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas Separate

Paul's desire to visit the churches he had planted with Barnabas was met with an obstacle. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with him and Paul did not like the idea of taking someone who had quit during the missionary journey (Acts 13). Why did John Mark leave? The answer to that question would be complete speculation because there is no evidence to explain his reasons. All we know is that he cut the trip really short and went back to the church of Antioch.

Regardless of John Mark's reasons for leaving, the fact is that he decided to abandon the work with Saul and Barnabas. Paul most certainly did not approve of his leaving since he holds it against him and does not desire to bring him along during this second trip he is planning. Barnabas on the other hand doesn't seem to make much of John Mark's leaving them and is more than willing to partner with him a second time. The issue became a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas as to merit a separation. Barnabas took John Mark and went his way. Paul took Silas and went his way.

An important factor in this disagreement is that Paul and Barnabas are blessed by the leadership and were "commended to the grace of God." Whatever the disagreements were, it did not interfere with their ability to remain in harmony as to continue the work in the kingdom. It disrupted the relationship enough not to be able to team up, but they could continue the work independently. Paul's disapproval of John Mark here did not prevent him from seeing the growth in him later on (2Tim.4:11; Col.4:10).

I think it is important to keep the harmony and teamwork in ministry and if for any reason I am not willing or able to keep that harmony, I should not engage with that team. Unity through the bond of peace is an essential element for the success of any team effort and I would do well in not overlooking it.  Let's team up with people whom we can live in harmony and avoid the arguments and bickering that come as a result of our teaming up with people we have issues with. It is a disservice to the kingdom and to ourselves. So separation from each other to be more effective in the kingdom is a good strategy to handle sharp disagreements.

Father, I pray you instill in me the desire to work with others. Help me to be a good team player, open to diversity, and willing to lead with all my heart. Help me handle sharp disagreements with grace and always honor you in the process. Give me discernment to judge who to team up with in the work of your kingdom. Amen.

Joshua 3:1-17 Israel Crosses the Jordan

The promises of God are true. But they are not always unconditional. In order to enjoy the blessings of God it is necessary for us to listen to God and follow his guidance. The people were called to prepare in consecration and then follow the ark of the covenant as it was carried by the priests. They were not to make a move on their own without God and the appointed leadership.

Consecration is not a word you use every day. It means to dedicate to a purpose. The conquest of the promised land requires total dedication. It is not a mere hobby or a sideline job. It is a full-time commitment. It is a lifestyle. All of my life must be devoted to this one cause: the kingdom of God and its establishment upon the earth! I cannot serve two masters. I must consecrate myself to my God and his purposes for my life.

Total dedication to God's kingdom and its establishment upon the earth is demonstrated in obedience. The ark of the covenant is the place where the Israelites enjoyed the manifest presence of God. God led his people through the ark and the appointed leaders. They were called to follow his lead and obey his instructions. The establishment of God's kingdom requires me to unite with the brethren and follow in obedience God's commandments.

It is very obvious that the establishment of God's kingdom is not something I can pull off on my own. It is not a "lone ranger" type of rescue. It is the corporate consecration and obedience of God's people in the pursuit of his purposes. I must see myself as part of a whole: the body of Christ. My contribution is only a piece of the puzzle. The body becomes ineffective, even paralyzed, if I try to do my own thing. 

Lord, I consecrate my life to you and the establishment of your kingdom upon earth. Help me be faithful to your purposes and obedient to your commands. May I seek unity and teamwork within the body of Christ for your glory and honor forever. Amen