Devotion for Tuesday February 27, 2018
Topic: Continue With The Lord
Text: Acts 11:19 – 24
The first
preachers of the gospel at Antioch were people dispersed from Jerusalem by
persecution; thus what was meant to hurt the church was made to work for its
good. Initially, they concentrated their preaching on the Jews only (Acts 11:19)
but some other preachers from Cyrene and Cyprus (in present day North Africa)
came also and preached to Gentiles in Antioch. Divine power attended their
preaching and many believed the gospel (Acts 11:21).
The Church at Jerusalem
heard that the gospel had reached Antioch and they sent Barnabas to them. He
was a great link between the Jewish believers and Gentile believers. He was a
wise choice to go to Antioch for a number of reasons. As he was from Cyprus, he
would have had a natural connection with the evangelists who had started the
movement in Antioch. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and
strong in faith. His name means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36), and he
lived up to it as he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord and
continue with Him. He came and confirmed what was earlier preached. He didn't
try to show off as a ‘senior believer/evangelist.’
Christians should partner
one another in the gospel because we all are meant to work for Christ who owns
the Church. Barnabas urged them that they should be firm and resolute in their
new found faith despite trials and temptation that may come their way. Are you
source of encouragement to people around you as Barnabas was?
Sing SS&S 529; Abu 216
Food for Thought: Barnabas lived
up to his name by being a source of encouragement. Are you living up to your
name as a Christian?
Memory verse: Acts 11:23
Prayer: May I live up to my name as a
Christian O Lord and a source of encouragement to people around me in Jesus
name. Amen
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