Acts 13 - 9.18.24
Scripture
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2, KJV).
Observation
Paul has had a dramatic encounter with Jesus, and has turned from a Christ-persecutor to a Christ-follower in the previous chapters. Initially the other Christians were scared of him because of his violent past, and suspected that he was masquerading as a believer just to get into the church, and expose them to the authorities. All this changed because of Barnabas’ involvement. Barnabas brought Paul to the church in Jerusalem, introduced him to the apostles and testified of the great work God was doing through him, and got him accepted into the community of believers.
Here in chapter 13, we see Paul and Barnabas worshipping the Lord and fasting. They were “ministering” to God while worshiping. Other translations (NASB, AMP) say they were serving God and fasting. Worship is our service to God, and we minister to God while worshipping. It is interesting to note that fasting was part of their worship to God. They were not fasting for a specific need or prayer request. They were fasting to seek God.
Then the Holy Spirit revealed His direction for them. “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”. There was a call on Paul’s and Barnabas’ life, and there was a purpose they were called to accomplish together in ministry. But for this call to be appropriated in their life, they need to put themselves in a place where they could hear God. They worshipped, fasted, prayed and waited on God. And then the calling on their life was revealed, and as verse 4 says “they were sent out by the Holy Spirit”.
Paul would later become the great apostle of Christ to the gentiles, even writing half of the new testament. But everything started by seeking God in fasting and prayer.
Application
If we want to accomplish God’s purpose in our lives, there is a cost. There is a price to be paid. Will we make pursuit of God our priority? God’s word commands us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Ana was an 84-year old widow, one of the only two people to whom God revealed his Son, when he was brought to the temple for dedication as a baby. What made Ana special? She “served” God with “fasting and prayer” night and day (Luke 2:37, NKJV). Would we choose to be like Ana, and be faithful in seeking God in fasting and prayer, on a regular basis?
Prayer
Father, I don’t want to miss out on your plan for my life. As you did for Paul and Barnabas, please separate me for the work for which you have called me. Help me to seek you first. Help me to serve you with regular prayer and fasting. Please send me and accomplish the purpose that you created me for. Make my life a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
- Asha Chacko George
