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Filed under 66 Books, Bible in a year reading plan
Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said. Acts 11:1-3, NLT.
I spent a few years living in a Christian bubble: Christian friends, Christian music, Christian books. These things aren’t bad … in fact, they a still a huge part of my life. One day, God pushed me out of the bubble. Suddenly I was hostess around a table to many who weren’t believers. So, I served them. I showed hospitality and inclusion to them (and their kids). I welcomed them. This was all God’s doing. He planned that party, so to speak.
When I read these verses in Acts today, I wonder what the world would have been like if these men had limited their influence.
17 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”
18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.” Acts 11:17-18, NLT.
And:
Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:19-21, NLT.
I read a heated thread of fury on a social media feed this week. One person said (of Christians) that the basis of (our) religion is to cram it down other people’s throats (then he referenced a scripture about spreading the gospel). I felt horrified and grieved. I didn’t comment for several reasons, one being that it was obviously a battle ground for attack, and not a forum for understanding. But I did wonder: how is it that they perceived Christians in this light? What experiences (or lack of) have others had with Christians to describe them in such a way? How does one go from being good/full of the Spirit/strong in the faith to throat crammer? In my daily interactions, what do people notice first: his love or an agenda? (I can think of times when all someone was interested in was sticking a tract in my hands rather than asking my name or about my story. At the time, it made me mad.)
24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.) Acts 11:24-26, NLT.
I take some cues from these scriptures today, about sitting across from someone (perhaps over a meal like Peter), and spending time with them (investing in their lives like Barnabas and Saul/Paul).
In what ways has God given you opportunities to invest in the life of another?
Lord, you’ve wired us all in unique ways. Show us opportunities to glorify your name. Let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and truth.
Courtney (66books365)
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a disagreement that they parted company. Acts 15:36-39a
Why would Luke record this uncomfortable, and perhaps unflattering, episode? Undoubtedly, part of the reason is that Luke is a historian who takes seriously his responsibility to accurately report facts. But on a different level, I suspect that the purpose of this passage is to teach me something. Here are a couple of insights I have picked up as I have pondered the meaning of these verses:
1) There is room for honest disagreement within the body of Christ.
No evidence suggests that the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas was between “right” and “wrong”. In fact, Paul later comments about the value of Mark in his ministry and requests that Mark be brought to him (2 Tim 4:11). We know Paul’s path bore fruit from the continuing account of Acts after this episode. It certainly sounds like the path chosen by Barnabas and Mark also bore fruit. Honest disagreement between two mature believers resulted in both still effectively serving God.
2) God accomplishes his purposes through different types of people.
The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas appears to be rooted in differing priorities. Paul valued his mission too greatly to risk it by including someone (Mark) who had let him down previously. We learn throughout Acts that Paul was always task-oriented, sticking to the plan, whether the plan was to round-up and imprison believers (as he did before his conversion) or preach the Gospel to Gentiles. Barnabas valued Mark and his continuing development too greatly to abandon him at this time. As a matter of fact, when we first are introduced to Barnabas we learn that his name means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). The kingdom of God has room for both task-oriented and people-oriented personalities.
A recent disagreement I had with another believer that resulted in “parting company” highlights my struggle in learning these lessons. I am ashamed to say that part of me screamed out for vindication. I wanted the world to see that my position was right and the position of the other party was wrong. Paul’s example, by reconciling with Mark and affirming his value in spite of their earlier disagreement, is an example for me.
Lord, may I be more like Paul in his humility. Strip me of the pride that requires me to be “right” all the time. And may I be more like Barnabas. Help me to be a “son of encouragement”, especially given my tendency to place the value of the mission above the value of your children. Amen.
Greg (gmd40187)
from the archives, July 28, 2010
Belief and unbelief.
Joseph trusted in God. His brothers trusted in their own plans (their plot to be rid of a little brother–good thing for them that God had other plans!).
Job was grappling with faith in the midst of an unimaginable hardship. His friends were at work to find his human flaws to justify punishment.
Zechariah asked a question of the messenger–Mary did too!–but what was at work on a heart level differentiated them. One, who was perhaps doubtful. The other, seeking.
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Luke 1:1:38 NLT.
Paul talks about God using the least expected to confound the wise–and it’s splayed across chapters: a brother sold into slavery who becomes a leader … a wealthy man who loses everything in moments … a virgin girl and a barren, old woman to both conceive children who would change everything … and even Paul, hater turned lover of Christ.
26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NLT.
Overall, a message of being chosen, and a reminder that nothing is impossible with God.
Courtney (66books365)
Sometimes I look for Him in the wrong places.
Sometimes my mind limits where He can work.
Sometimes I feel like I can’t get out from under the weight of condemnation.
Note to self: He is the one who whispers gently. He has no limits and is victorious in the hills and on the plains. Everyone who believes in Jesus is declared right with God.
And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52.
Courtney (66books365)
Filed under 66 Books, Bible in a year reading plan
Sixty-six books in a year 