(Acts 13:1-3 NLT) Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing to learn more about the amazing life of the Apostle Paul. Getting back to Saul this morning, I remind you of the fact that the Lord led Barnabas to go out of his way to get Saul from Tarsus (in Turkey) and invite him back to Antioch (in Syria) to join him in ministry. Saul and Barnabas were a dynamic-duo. Their ministry was so powerful that they drew large crowds in Antioch and the term “Christian” was coined as a result of their ministry.
Saul and Barnabas had become part of the church leadership in Antioch. They were joined by other prophets and teachers, among which were Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), and Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas). One day the leaders were leading worship, in the middle of a time of fasting, and the Holy Spirit spoke, saying, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” Let me highlight a few points from what happened there:
1. Fasting and prayer go hand-in-hand. If you are going to fast without praying, you might as well say you are just starving yourself, because it will have no spiritual benefit.
2. Fasting and prayer is still valid in the New Testament. This is an example of a New Testament church and New Testament leaders engaging in fasting and prayer.
3. The Holy Spirit can speak to us. The Holy Spirit gave a clear Word in this case and He still speaks today. If you spend time with God, you will be able to hear from Him [clearly].
4. Saul and Barnabas were called by God to work together. I am a preacher who has been taught by preachers and who has also taught preachers. One thing that has been clear to me over the years is that the importance of God’s call on our livers cannot be overstated. Understanding God’s call is critical to fulfilling it. But one thing that is not often mentioned is how the Lord can call you and someone else (or a group of people) to work on an assignment together. Saul and Barnabas had a joint-call from God to perform a work together!
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Fasting and prayer should be part of your lifestyle. You can see examples of fasting and prayer in both the Old and New Testaments and that example should be continued in your life.
2. You must be able to hear from God. The Holy Spirit spoke clearly in the case of Saul and Barnabas’ calling and He is still speaking clearly today. But you must be in position to hear Him. Slow down, remove the distractors, tune into God’s presence, and hear from Him.
3. You have been called by God to a specific work. Not only did God save you, but He also called you with a Holy calling. Saul and Barnabas were called to work together for a season and they were also individually called for their own life’s purpose. Likewise, God called you for a specific purpose. You are not here, on the earth, to simply suck-in and blow-out air. You are here for a reason. That reason is your purpose. God has given you a purpose, and along with it, He also gave you the Grace to complete it.
4. Portions of your calling will require you to partner with other people. There are no lone-rangers in the Body of Christ. While your calling is an individual calling, there will be portions of your life where God has called you to work with someone else. During those seasons you must collectively partner with one another in order to fulfill God’s will in the earth.
5. The calling comes by Grace (you didn’t earn it). Saul and Barnabas did nothing to deserve their call and neither have you. Paul later wrote, “We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it” (2 Tim 1:9). You were called by Grace, before the foundations of the world!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your amazing and unyielding Grace towards me. You made plans for me before the foundations of the world and You made them by Grace. You took into account all that I would be and I that I would not be, and You called me anyway. You looked past my faults, flaws and failures and You called me with a Holy Calling. By faith I declare that I shall FIND, FOLLOW and FINISH my purpose before I die. I shall fulfill my calling and live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. Not because I am so good, but because You are. I fast, I pray, and I hear from You daily. You lead me by Your Spirit. I am Your child, I hear Your voice, and the voice of a stranger I shall not follow. I am led of You in all things and I submit to Your leading. My life is not my own. I am fully surrendered to You. Wherever You lead, I will follow. Whatever You tell me to do, I shall submit to it. I know I am not in this race alone. There are seasons in my life where I will be called to work with specific people and they will be called to work with me. Whether with others, or alone, I shall submit to the calling and allow You to make a divine impact in the sphere of influence You have given me. When I think about my calling, all I can say is, “Thank You.” I did not earn it, I never could earn it, and I don’t even try. I simply receive the call by Grace and seek to walk it out by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
