Acts__13
Acts 13:3
Observation-What does it say?
While in Antioch, Barnabas and Saul spent time in a church fellowshipping with other believers. Among them were the teachers and prophets: Simeon, Lucius, and Manaen. While they were praising God the Holy Spirit specifically called out Barnabas and Saul to be set apart to do God’s work. They obeyed, but not before praying, fasting, and officially being sent off.
Understanding-What does it mean?
United through Christ.
Jesus said: “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23
There is no such thing as a being a “Sideline Believer.” Being a believer denotes action, even when we’re aren’t on the front lines we are always about God’s business.
While visiting this church, only Barnabas and Saul are specifically called by God to go. Yet, the other believers didn’t just tap out and wait for the next announcement. Instead they also fasted and prayed with Barnabas and Saul, and before sending them on their way they prayed over them.
Whether or not we are directly called out, we are always united together under the same God. It is our job to come alongside our fellow Christ Followers and walk firmly beside them.
You can’t be a Christian and stand on the sidelines, it’s an oxymoron. There is always work to be done, we are all called to go out, but as soon as we get back it’s our job to support those heading out next.
Life Application
God is always moving, and many of us, myself included, are yelling from the sidelines, waiting for the coach to call us in. We forget that we’re actually supposed to be in game. The minute we turned our lives over to Christ, we were in. It’s time to jump in, whether we’re specifically called out or not we’re on mission. We are all called to be active and integral participants in securing the Kingdom.
-Ethan Khan