From: June 14, 2023
“Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus” (Acts 9:27 NLT).
After Saul became a follower of Jesus at Damascus, he returned to Jerusalem. There he sought to meet with the apostles, but they didn’t trust that the former persecutor had really changed. They were afraid to meet with him. But a believer named Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” vouched for Saul and presented him to the apostles, so they accepted him.
What a great friend to have! Someone to stand up for you and put his own name on the line for you, so that you can have a second chance at life. How like Jesus was this Barnabas, who reconciled Saul and the apostles to one another. Saul had been a ringleader of the early persecution of the church. He was even present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Yet, now he was accepted as one of the disciples of Jesus. Surely it was the voice of the Spirit of Christ that spoke through Barnabas that the apostles so quickly forgave and accepted Saul, who later changed his name to “Paul.”
O that more of us would be a Barnabas, a peacemaker and a reconciler for Jesus!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Jesus who is our Mediator. For He is the One who brought us to You. He is our Waymaker and peace, so that we are no longer far from You, but brought near. Now fill us afresh today with Your Spirit, so that we carry Your message of reconciliation to those far from You in this world. Strengthen us for the work. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: June 14, 2022
A SEASON OF PEACE, STRENGTH, AND GROWTH FOR THE CHURCH
Previously, a “great wave of persecution” (Acts 8:1) had swept through the church at Jerusalem. It began with the stoning of Stephen and continued until the believers were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Yet, following this season of persecution, there came a time of peace. Even the great persecutor of the church, Saul, had become a believer after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Instead of eliminating or weakening the church, it had grown bigger and stronger after the season of persecution.
What will it take for the church in America to see a season of peace, strength, and growth? All the current prognosticators describe the American church as being in a state of turmoil, weakness and decline. What is the future of the church in America? What would it take to see a season like Acts 9:31 in today’s church?
Looking closely at this story from the first century church, it seems to me that it was the Lord who brought both the season of persecution and the season of peace upon the church. He is the Gardener, Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. The Father both prunes and brings forth fruit as He wills.
What is our part? Well, the only description of the believers’ activity in this verse is that they “lived in the fear of the Lord.” In other words, they revered Him above all others. It was in this season of giving the Lord their first love and priority, that the Lord gave the church peace, strength and growth.
Ultimately, the Lord is the one who determines the health of the church. Therefore, let us pray for revival, for peace, for strength and for growth. And let us live in the fear of the Lord as we pray, knowing that He determines all things as He wills.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we pray for the church in our city, in our state, in our country, and in our world. Lord, bring revival. We humble ourselves this day in fear and dependence on You alone. All things in our world seem to be getting worse. Evil is on the rise. Yet, we trust in You. Revive us. Grant us the encouragement of the Holy Spirit as You did the early church. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: June 14, 2016
After Saul the Persecutor became Paul the Preacher, he sought to meet with the disciples, but they were afraid. But Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” vouched for Paul and presented him to the apostles. What a great friend to have! Someone who will mediate for you and put their own name on the line for you, so that you can have a second chance at life. How like Jesus was this Barnabas who encouraged both Paul and the apostles to be reconciled to one another.
From: June 14, 2012
The Lord has allowed me to live to see the truth of this proverb. What a blessing to have grandchildren not only by blood, but also by Spirit. For God has blessed me to know both. I have three grandchildren (and one on the way) through the flesh. But I have untold spiritual grandchildren through the preaching of the Gospel!
From: June 14, 2011
This season of peace followed one of persecution. Seasons are not coincidental. The Gardener uses them to make the Vine’s branches more fruitful.
From: June 14, 2010
God sets the seasons. Farmers don’t go to conferences to learn how to grow their fields during a winter season. They learn early on to work and rest with the seasons.
The record of the early church in the book of Acts reflects a seasonal movement of peace and persecution, gathering and dispersion, all under the Spirit’s leadership.
How can we become like farmers who know the times? How can we do the right kind of work and find the right times to rest?
Lord, help us to recognize the seasons and to work when the Spirit works and rest when He rests. Help us move with the rhythm of Your Spirit.