Acts 13 & 14
This story of Paul and Barnabas (with young John Mark) heading off on their first missionary journey. It was interesting to see that this adventure began with failure. That is, the failure of Paul & Barnabas to have their message accepted by the Jews in Antioch in Pisidia. I guess I would argue that it wasn’t so much Paul and Barnabas’ failure as it was the failure of the people to receive their message. Either way, it caused Paul and Barnabas to head off on a “Good News” jouney to other places to focus not on the Jews but on the Gentiles (non-jews). Over these two chapters time and again it was obvious that this journey was God’s journey. Paul and Barnabas were sharing the Good News of Jesus with all, which is God’s Good News. And God was the one who was making the work known. It was God who was showing and proving the worth of this Good News and it was God who was proving the Good News. I must confess that too often I think and act as if sharing the Good News of Jesus is my work when the truth is it is God’s work. In a couple of Sundays I’m sharing about ‘Building God’s Kingdom – Building Lives’ and I’ve been drawn to a scripture in Chronicles where David is handing over to Solomon the task of Building God’s Temple (a sign of God’s Kingdom) and in it is a key verse. David tells Solomon to (i) worship God (ii) obey with heart and mind (iii) follow David’s example. God’s been impressing on me how much the Good News is God’s work and that our invitation is to follow through worship (whole of life), obedience (heart and mind) and example (action). It seems to me that this is what Paul and Banabas were doing and that God was the fulfiller of the Good News for those who would respond. I took note of Paul and Barnabas’ practice of prayer and fasting throughout these chapters and believe these are key spiritual practices particularly around major decisions about people and plans – something for me to follow through with. [Prayer - LORD the Good News is your message, your work, and yours to prove. May your Spirit lead me in the journeys that I am taking and help me in my worship, obedience and actions for the sake of others - Amen]
Psalm 27
What a great Psalm – full of trust and hope. It really is one that shows that praise and worship raises courage and faith. I’ve included it below just to see it again – [Contemporary English Version]
Psalm 27
(By David.)
A Prayer of Praise
1You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.
2Brutal people may attack and try to kill me, but they will stumble. Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall.
3Armies may surround me, but I won’t be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you.
4I ask only one thing, LORD: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple.
5In times of trouble, you will protect me. You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock.
6You will let me defeat all of my enemies. Then I will celebrate, as I enter your tent with animal sacrifices and songs of praise.
7Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer.
8My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face,
9so don’t hide from me. I am your servant, and you have helped me. Don’t turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe. Don’t reject or desert me.
10Even if my father and mother should desert me, you will take care of me.
11Teach me to follow, LORD, and lead me on the right path because of my enemies.
12Don’t let them do to me what they want. People tell lies about me and make terrible threats,
13but I know I will live to see how kind you are.
14Trust the LORD! Be brave and strong and trust the LORD.
