The Turning Point

 Acts 13: 1-3

“1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

Reading the names of the prophets and teachers we find that the church at Antioch was a diverse church.  There are people from Cyprus, North Africa, Romans, aristocrats, and finally a man from Tarsus.

The Holy Spirit worked in and through the members of the church at Antioch and led them to the decision to appoint Barnabas and Saul to carry the gospel throughout the known world, a decision that was the turning point for Christianity, and vital to its survival.

Of course, we see the wisdom of this decision now, looking back.  I wonder if they knew it at the time?  I am sure there were disagreements as to who should be sent or to whom they should carry the messages.  Nevertheless, God’s will was done.

Sometimes I worry about our divided Church; so many denominations, so many interpretations of scripture, so many opinions and emotions.  

But then I remember that the gospel was once carried by two men into many foreign lands, and they were beaten, stoned, imprisoned, robbed, left for dead, and shipwrecked.

Yet,  the good news survived.

And the word of God transformed millions of people.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)