‘COME ON IN…’
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Opening Prayer
Father, as I open your Word today, prepare my heart to receive what you purpose to teach me and help me put what I read into practice.
Read ACTS 14:21—28
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Acts
Acts 14
21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,
22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,
25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.
27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Reflect
Are there things or opportunities that could be good for you, but you tend to ignore them? Why?‘… The water’s lovely!’ So say my outdoor swimming friends. Apparently, it really is good for you, but I am yet to be tempted out of my warm winter jacket. As Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch via the recently planted churches, their encouragement doesn’t ignore the cold reality of the hardships these new Christians could expect. In choosing the long route home, through cities that had hindered them, they demonstrate the value of ongoing relationships (even in itinerant ministry) and local leadership, embodying their exhortations. How might our approach change if we viewed problems as a pathway toward God?
‘… The door’s open!’ Back among their sending community, Paul and Barnabas share stories of God’s work, and this is the heart of what they celebrate together. God, in his grace, has thrown wide his heavenly gates to welcome people of every nation into his family, just as was promised. Those considered outsiders but always on the invite list can come in freely. God has taken his messengers into new territory. He has opened a door for the gentiles—and they have entered. Divine initiative in partnership with human response has launched the early church into the final phase of her outward-rippling, Spirit-empowered role (Acts 1:8).
Apply
Journal about a hardship you are facing or a friend who doesn’t yet know Jesus. What doors of faith might God be opening for you?
Closing prayer
God, help me to recognize how you are inviting me and others to experience more of your kingdom today, even in unexpected ways.
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