By Dave Benner
In about 48 AD, Paul and Barnabas set out on the first missionary journey. John Mark started out with them but soon abandoned the mission. Paul and Barnabas traveled for about 2 years over 1200 miles, some by ship and much by foot. Some of the trails and roads they followed were dangerous – one could be robbed or even murdered.
Paul and Barnabas had many adventures on this journey. They encountered much resistance by what the Bible calls, `nonbelieving Jews.’ Yet, in spite of their perils and the resistance they endured, great things happened and many churches were established.
When they returned to the Antioch church, they reported on their trip. The Bible says they reported, “all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27).
I fear that if I had been on this journey, I would have emphasized the dangers. I may have stressed the miles I walked and the sandals I wore out. I feel certain I would have related the stoning at Lystra and how Paul was left for dead. Instead, we see Paul and Barnabas telling of the great things God had done with them.
I see a few lessons in this. First, we need to give God the glory and the credit for all the good things accomplished in spreading the Gospel. The power is in the word and not in us. God made all these things possible through His Son Jesus Christ.
Second, we need to ask ourselves how God can use us to further the Gospel. We will not be taking missionary journeys like Paul and Barnabas, but we do encounter others in our daily lives. We can initiate contacts and conversations with friends and neighbors. If we are home bound, we can use multiple forms of communications to contact others. We can pray for and otherwise support our missionaries.
Let’s see what God can do with us this week!