Responding to God’s Call

Acts 13:1-3

¹ 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. ² One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” ³ So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

As the church in Antioch were praying and fasting, God’s Spirit spoke to them and told them to choose Barnabas and Saul for a special purpose. This shows me how important it is to listen carefully to God’s voice and follow His guidance. God often talks to us when we spend quiet time with Him in prayer and worship, showing us what He wants us to do and revealing the plans He has for our lives.

The people in Antioch responded in a way we still today and they didn’t waste any time in obeying what the Spirit said. Instead, they prayed and fasted more, confirming that God had chosen Barnabas and Saul. Then they put their hands on them and sent them off to tell more people about Jesus. This shows us how important it is to trust and obey God’s calling, just like the believers in Antioch did.

Even though this passage singled out Barnabas and Saul, the whole church was involved in their mission through laying of hands, prayer and fasting. It is the people, not the building, that makes a church!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for inspiring believers to hear Your call, listen attentively and respond in obedience. Grant us wisdom to recognise Your voice and be willing to spread Your Gospel wherever we may go. In Your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by Sven Bessesen

Have a look at this Bible Project video overview of the second half of Acts at https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/acts-13-28/