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Acts 13:1-3, Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

One of the foundational principles of the Restoration Movement was its dedication to the observed “example” of the early Church. Up to this point in the book of Acts we find willing recipients and willing evangelists. Discipleship was effective through the spreading of the Gospel via teaching, preaching and living out the Word. The infant church was growing according to the plan. Acts 13 emphasizes a powerful mark of the body of Christ: strong leadership.

Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul were all prophets and teachers in the Church. Saul was listed last at this point in his ministry. These men were not just important men, they were passionate in their pursuit of the mission of God. They were so keen in their pursuit of expanding the realm of God on earth, they were fasting and worshipping and asking for wisdom on this matter. The Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Paul and Barnabas to take the message to different and uncharted places of Gospel knowledge. The leaders of the Church at Antioch were not only listening to God, but acting on His will in this world!

Repeatedly in the Bible we see God’s perfect timing. In Galatians 1:15, Paul explains this in his own life. He was set apart from birth (about AD 10). He was given grace, forgiveness, and salvation at about AD 36. He was eventually set apart for his eventual ministry at about AD 46. No time was wasted in his life. He was being trained for the task he would eventually receive. Meanwhile, Barnabas was proving his social and spiritual skills among both Jews and Gentiles. When the time was right, both men were ready to be sent by the Holy Spirit, and so they went. After prayer and fasting and blessing through the laying on of hands, they sent them off. (Acts 13:3)

In the congregation, where I became a Christian, both missions and teaching the Gospel were emphasized, as well as, a love for the people who were doing that work. This is one of the reasons this moment is so significant to me. Like the many who have followed in their footsteps, our missionary forefathers in Paul and Barnabas were ready and willing to take on unknown challenges for the sake of the cross. They left homes, jobs, and families, and occupations, for the glory of God and the Gospel. They would follow Jesus anywhere at any cost.

For those who take the time to sacrifice their lives for the teaching and preaching of the Gospel I want you to know you are loved and respected. You have made yourself the frontline soldiers to confront Satan and his army. For some it has cost them economically, physically and even to the giving of their own physical lives. Families have strained and suffered. Children have moved and had less than the best stability in their lives. Having said this, I also know all have been, and will be, blessed by a Father who has never abandoned His own children.

Sometimes missionaries, elders and preachers can feel like they are on an “island”, socially. Please let those who are sharing the truth in a message of spiritual freedom that they are loved and appreciated. As a minister I am well taken care of by a loving congregation. I am also aware of some brothers and sisters who are struggling with circumstances and obstacles in their lives, or in their ministry. It will all work out for the good of the kingdom. May God bless us all to be a blessing to those fighting in this spiritual warfare for the greater good of every person.

Dear Lord, give us all peace and strength and prosperity to Your glory forever. Amen…