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“What Happens on the Way”
Acts 15:2b-4
The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
Thoughts for Today:
Previously in verse 2, the church at Antioch had called upon Paul and Barnabas to go to Jerusalem to represent its views on the debate regarding whether or not it was necessary for new Gentile believers to observe the Mosaic Law. I don't know about you, but I would have felt a little uncomfortable traveling from a satellite church to the mother church, as the principle representatives of a new and very unpopular concept. However, "as they traveled," in other words after they had committed to the job and were on their way, they found the support and encouragement they needed, "This news made all the brothers very glad." Then, after they arrived in Jerusalem, they were not only "welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders," but also given the opportunity to report "everything God had done through them," before the debate even began. Talk about a good fair start -- this was it.
As I read our passage today, I thought about my own life and a number of situations I have had in which God has called me to witness or testify publicly. At first I was uncomfortable and intimidated thinking, "There must be someone else more capable, experienced or qualified than me. What if I blow it?" However, after I committed to doing His will (along the way and as I traveled), God sent me the support, resources and encouragement I needed to complete the job I was given. Did you notice how that worked? After I committed, after I said, "Yes," after I got started, I was given what I needed to not only bolster my confidence but get the job done.
Questions to Ponder:
Has the church recently asked you to do something that stretches you out of your comfort zone? What was your answer? Is there some area in which God is calling you to service right now? Too often we expect a lightning bolt of inspiration from the Lord to call us into some great service work. But that's not how it works. Usually the call comes from the retreat committee asking for volunteers, or from the children's pastor who needs teachers for Vacation Bible School, etc. The servants answer is always, "Yes Lord." What will your answer be? Will you trust the Lord to give you what you need on the way to do His will?
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There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.
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About the author
Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.
