Day 39: The Disciples at Antioch Were Missional

Word:

As we conclude our 40 Days of Discipleship, we are spending these final days meditating on God's call and work in and through the church at Antioch. We are believing for a similar move of the Spirit so that we would be a community committed to being disciples and making disciples who reach the four corners of the world.

The disciples at Antioch were a misisonal people. From the place of worship, the Lord sent out Paul and Barnabas with the full support of the church. This wasn't a reluctant sending or a burden they carried, it was the natural overflow of disciples that understood God's heart for the world. When they returned, the church celebrated what God had accomplished through them. This was a church that valued God's mission to reach and redeem the world, and they saw themselves as active participants in that mission.

Scriptures For Today:

As you read today's Scriptures, read slowly and attentively, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you meditate on His Word.

Acts 13.1-3 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 14.26-28 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Acts 15.30-41 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Worship:

Prayer:

Jesus, here we are, Lord! Send us where You want us to go! Help us to live on mission with You each and every day!

Listen & Obey:

Spend two minutes in silent, listening prayer. Write down what you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

Here are some prompts to assist you:

Lord, what do You want to speak to me from these passages of Scripture as I start my day?

How do You want me to apply this truth today?

Who do I need to share this with today?