Staying Faithful to Your Commission
Scripture Passage: Acts 14: 19-28 (NASB)
19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking that he was dead. 20 But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made a good number of disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
24 They passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia. 25 When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished. 27 When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all the things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent a long time with the disciples.
SUMMARY
The outraged Jews stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. But Paul escapes the threat of the death and returns to the disciples. He strengthens and encourages them to continue in faith and that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without the tribulations. Instead of taking a direct route back to Antioch, Paul and Barnabes decides to take a long and dangerous route, passing through Lystra, Iconium, Pisidia, to help build the church. They appointed elders for each church and prayed with fasting. When they arrived in Antioch, they humbly shared about what God has done and how He has opened the gospel to the Gentiles.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
Paul stayed focused and committed to completing his commissioned work. The Jews were outraged and almost even killed him, but he continued in faith and returned to the disciples to encourage them. His faithfulness is inevitable and exemplified. This is a man who just escaped death, but he was fearless and dedicated to doing God’s work.
This passage made me look closer at my faith and realize how much I lack in my commitment. I look for quick and easy solutions to my day-to-day problems and realize I also apply that to God’s work. I know God places certain people in my life to witness to and I pray for them and maybe even attempt to invite them to church. But I am quick to forget them and move on to another person who might be more receptive to my invitation. I have been treating it as a one-time thing and not investing the time to faithfully serve them.
APPLICATION
I was reminded to continue to pray for them even if they are difficult. Perhaps God is taking me to a long route to build my faith and teach me to entrust him more through the process. I was also reminded of the times when I was lost and how God surrounded me with people to pray and encourage me. Where would I be if those people gave up on me? I am sure it took many persistent attempts, and it is the result of many hours of quiet and wholehearted prayers.
I will remember to persevere and pray for those people God places in my life, remembering that God’s work is not quick and easy. I choose to take a long route just like Paul to build my faith despite the challenges I may face. v22 “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.”
PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus for the opportunity to check my faith and dedication to you this morning. Thank you for making me realize that your work is not easy and redefining that the people and things you place in my heart are not just a coincidence but my commissioned work. Please teach me and equip me to remain faithful and devoted to your work. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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