Reading: Acts 13
We have been reading about Saul of Tarsus for some time. We see how the younger Saul was fierce, zealous, but also violent. We also see how Barnabas sought out Saul and mentored him.
In today's reading, we finally see Saul rose to a new level of service! It's a destiny moment. History will remember this as "Paul's first missionary journey."
But how did Saul of Tarsus become Paul the Apostle, leading the most important missionary endeavours of the history of the church?
Already But Not Yet
In Syrian Antioch, while a group of church leaders were praying and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,
"Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (13:2)
"Called"? Wait!
The calling for Saul to go to the Gentiles was there over a decade ago when Saul first met Jesus on his way to Damascus! Why did Paul wait for so long to go?
Nope! He didn't!
The Journey of Calling
Listen! You are not called to a destination. You are called to a journey.
If God calls you to be an Oak Tree, you begin as an acorn.
If God calls you to be a 6-pack with a V-line, you begin with a fluffy belly and a circle-line.
There is something called training, maturity, and timing.
The "destination mindset" frustrates us, because we are "never there." But the "journey mindset" frees us, because we are growing day by day.
You know, God can't really work through us unless He first works in us.
Before God can use us in big ways, He must make sure that we are usable in the first place.
And this process of "working in us" requires hard work and patience on your side. You can never microwave maturity.
So, how does this process work in the Kingdom "new normal"?
Jesus said, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." (Luke 16:10)
In Saul's case, he started with "very little." But after a decade of faithful service and moulding, God now considered Saul mature enough to move into his next assignment. (Note: "next" assignment, not "final" assignment.)
So, what exactly did the Holy Spirit call Barnabas and Saul to do?
The Next Assignment
The short answer is, to bring the gospel "to the ends of the world." (1:8)
Now, the journey is pretty amazing. You should read it for yourself. But there are 2 small things you need to pay attention to.
First, there is a name change.
"Then Saul, who was also called Paul ... " (13:9)
Look! Every time you see a name change, it signifies something important. The old person is gone. The new person is now in full operation leading to a new era.
Secondly, there is a name sequence change.
From this point onward, it's no longer "Barnabas and Saul." The order has been flipped. It's now "Paul and Barnabas."
Paul's time has finally come!
But look! This "overnight" success of Paul actually took more than 10 years in the making.
My friend, do you feel that you are prevented from doing what you are supposed to be doing? Don't give up, you are probably still "under training." God is still working in you. Be faithful.
Reflection:
What do you think God is calling you to do with your life? What does your "destiny" look like? How do you think that God is preparing you right now?
Prayer for Today:
Dear God,
I thank you for the testimony of Paul and how he was being transformed and used by you. Father God, I don't want to waste my life. I want to be used by you in meaningful ways. Please reveal your direction for me. I also confess that sometimes I am frustrated by all the things that are preventing me from pursuing my calling. Please give me the wisdom to handle them in a godly way. Please also help me understand what and how you are working in me. I want to be sensitive to your guidance.
In Jesus' name. Amen.