A Surprise Appearance

Scripture – Acts 13:1-3: ¹In 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. ²While 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.” ³So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Reflection: – In the midst of worship, the Holy Spirit broke in with a new message for the church in Antioch. However that happened or whoever heard, the message was clear. Barnabas and Saul were called to a new ministry – one that would send them out into the Gentile world with the message of Christ. The church, after fasting and praying some more, laid their hand on them and sent them off as the Spirit directed.

The striking thing to me in this passage is the surprise appearance by the Spirit during worship. It’s easy to come into a worship experience without any great expectations. A lot of times the order of the service is pretty straightforward. I know when to stand and when to sit. Perhaps I’m looking forward to a good speaker and/or music. But I often forget to keep myself open and ready for the Spirit to break in with something new. I’m going to do that today. I’ll keep myself open and tuned in to the Spirit’s nudging. And tomorrow, as we gather for worship in the morning, I’ll be expecting something special to happen. How about you? How do you approach worship?

This passage today leads into a whole new experience for Barnabas, Saul and the church. So this is where we leave our travels in Acts for the time being. As you see in tomorrow’s reading, we’ll pick up in a different book of the New Testament. I wonder what the Lord has in store for us there?

Reading for Sunday, August 31

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3: ¹Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. ²We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. ³We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.