February 13 - Pivot
Today’s Journey Through Acts excerpt is:
Pivot
We recognize the Apostle Paul as one of the most influential missionaries of the New Testament. By volume, Luke wrote the largest quantity of the New Testament having penned both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, however Paul contributed significantly with his letters to the early churches. We often read every story in Acts with Paul in mind as the hero and the others that traveled with him as his trusty sidekicks. It should be pointed out though, that this was not always the case. In the opening lines of Acts thirteen, Barnabas and Paul are commissioned on their first missionary journey. Notice here the wording of their commission in verse two:
"the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
They were sending "Barnabas and Saul" out, not Paul and Barnabas. This context will be valuable in understanding our journey through chapter fifteen of Acts.
Regardless of who played the part of Batman, and who was playing the part of Robin, these two were off on their first missionary journey. As we discussed in chapter eleven, missions is the heartbeat of the New Testament church. Sending and supporting missionaries is among the highest of priorities to a healthy faith community. Missional activity is the context of everything that takes place in the Book of Acts.
In chapter thirteen, an important shift happens. In our text, we see Paul delivering another sharp message to the Jewish community. As momentum builds in the growing church, the religious leaders - once again - step in to create obstacles for the missionaries. In verse forty-six, Paul and Barnabas have a revelation - they are about to take this Gospel message to the Gentiles! The following verses confirm - the Gospel was taking root in the Gentile communities. The Gentiles were rejoicing, the Word of God was spreading, and they were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit! This shift was due to the ability of Barnabas and Paul to pivot and step into a new season with fresh direction from God. Don't spend your life doing the same things over and over. The greatest moments of your ministry are not behind you, they are ahead of you. Be open to following the Lord into a new season, even if you're uncertain how it will unfold.
Reflect on the journey:
Do you feel like your faith journey has gotten mundane or boring? This is not God's will for your life. Be sensitive in this moment as you search out how you can get involved with the mission of God. Don't be afraid to pivot or to step out in an area of ministry that you've felt a burden for.
Through your prayer time today:
In John 10:10 Jesus states: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Take a moment today to ask for God to bring abundance in every aspect of your life. Openly invite the Holy Spirit to show you areas in your life that you may need to make adjustments or pivot. The next season of ministry may be dependent on that!
