This week we see one division extinguished, One division ignited, Four Contrasts, and learn the importance of making yourself available to be used by God.
The Christians in Antioch were greatly encouraged by the letter from the apostles.
Our walk with God is through faith in Jesus Christ Judas and Silas were leaders from the Jerusalem Church, who had travelled with Paul and Barnabas to verify the authenticity of the letter. They were sent back to Jerusalem by the apostles, but Silas chose to stay.
Why?
Having a deep understanding of God’s Word helps us walk in the ways of God and prevents us from drifting into our own made – up ideas about Him.
Having strengthened his home church, Paul wanted to revisit each of the churches he and Barnabas had planted during the first missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to bring Mark, but Paul refused.
Their contention was so fierce that they parted ways.
Mark left his calling when things got too difficult. He was working with Paul and Barnabas bringing Jesus to the Gentile world. But it got too hard, and he left.
And that’s the end of his story.
Barnabas didn’t agree with some of the details of his calling. He felt things should be a certain way, And when things didn’t go his way he decided to go on his own path, rather than humbly ministering for God.
And that’s the end of his story.
Judas preferred to return to his familiar, comfortable and easy position. He had fulfilled his mission, and was done. He wasn’t interested in being part of the new, exciting move of God. He was content in a safe uneventful Christian life.
And so, that’s the end of his story
Silas was alert to what God was doing, and where God was moving. He moved himself from Jerusalem to Antioch to be where God was moving, and was rewarded by being invited to change the world by bringing Jesus to those who need Him.
And that is just the beginning of His story
Which path do you want to take?
Knowing the Bible really well allows us to know God and protects us from false teaching.
Be careful of pride – it is insidious and poisonous
Only Jesus makes us right with God – nothing that we can do.
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