Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
Acts 11:19-26 (NRSV)
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”
Reflect
I was fortunate to be born into a family of believers, so I was baptized as an infant into the Christian faith. As a young teenager, I responded to the stirring of the Holy Spirit in my heart and made a public profession of faith at a revival service while the congregation sang “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.” I wrestled with my faith for a number of years until, as a young adult, I yielded to a life-long call to ministry.
For all of my life, I had considered myself a Christian, but the early followers of Jesus were not called “Christians” until the disciples had scattered and witnessed to a great many people. In fact, the first use of the term “Christians” was not at the church in Jerusalem, but in Antioch (Acts 11:26).
So, are we Christians because we were born into it? Are we Christians because we made a public profession of faith and joined a congregation? Does answering a call make us stronger Christians?
Maybe we should only be called “Christians” when we are being the disciples of Jesus Christ, spreading the good news wherever God may lead us!
Pray
Dear Lord, as the world scatters us, may we continually rejoice in the Lord, preach the good news of a saving grace, and be the Christians you have called us to be. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Go with God.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.