Prayer & Fasting #4: Acts 13-17

Team,

Have a great day praying and fasting this morning.

In my reading this morning of Acts 13-17, I was enamored again by the courage of the early apostles. In God's eyes, these men are no different from us, but in our eyes, they are giants, pioneers and people who changed the world. There's so much inspiration and application to take away from these chapters, but I want to focus on 3 themes that kept jumping out at me:


COURAGE
They risked. They jumped. They sacrificed. They pressed forward. They returned to resistance. They were bold and gutsy and because of that their enemies made a true observation in saying they were "men who have turned the world upside down." (Acts 17:6)

What about you and me? Will we live life safe? Or will we lay our lives down for the gospel? Maybe it means starting a business. Maybe it means starting a ministry. Maybe it means leaving our homes and our cities. Not everyone's calling is the same. But if we find ourselves not having to risk or sacrifice, maybe we're not living out the adventure that God has planned for those who join his mission.


PROCLAIMING JESUS' RESURRECTION
In these chapters, there was no mention of the cross of Jesus! Yet, it's safe to say that Paul's gospel preached to the cities and the synagogues no doubt included it. However, Luke purposely chose to record numerous references of Paul's sermons to Jesus' resurrection. Why? Because while the resurrection is mystery to both Jews and Gentiles, it is in the power of resurrection that men are able find a hope for new life, now and in the future. Jesus' cross addressed the wrath of God, but his resurrection was a sign to the whole world saying, "New life has begun! Come join in."

Do we cherish the resurrection? Is it a part of our gospel? Do we preach it, breathe it, live it? Do you realize its power to sustain you during suffering? Do you realize its freeing power that allows us to be creative? We don't have to resort to old tactics. We can think about the future. At then end of Paul's great chapter on resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, he says, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."


WOMEN IN MINISTRY
Jesus came to bring equilibrium to all social and economic issues. He doesn't redefine sexuality, but he does deconstruct some of the gender weaknesses built into cultures. (Great news to liberals!) Luke mentions at least three times of groups of women, many of them prominent, coming to know and serve Christ. Lydia, a purple cloth trader (very rich lady) even becomes a partner in the ministry.

Do we still run our ministries in a way where women are secondary to men? Do we not celebrate women enough? Yes, it is Biblical that men are the spiritual leaders of the home and the community, but none of it would make sense without the partnership and the ingenuity of women.

Linda and Nada, do you feel affirmed in knowing that you are shaped for important world changing ministry?!



"God, thank you for giving Christians a pioneering spirit. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit. Help us to be creative for you...to be committed for you...to be courageous for you. Help YexusCommunitas spark something earth shattering in our lifetime. Help us to cultivate the mission that you began in Jesus and continued on with Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke and the Church today.

"Help our praying and fasting to not be done in vain today. It is for your fame and glory and the joy of all people that we do this."