Posted by Mike Willis on Friday, February 20, 2009.
“The report of this came to the ears of the church in
Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to
Antioch.When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them
all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good
man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.And a great many people were added to the Lord.”Acts 11:22-24
Barnabas could not help but recognize that God was at work
to plant a healthy church in
Antioch.The seed had formed “shoots” making its promising
presence known to capable church leaders.In fact, it brought him gladness!Having been sent 300 miles north to
Antioch by the saints in
Jerusalem, Barnabas had as his purpose to
encourage the seed that was developing.The word for “exhort” or “encourage” is the same word used to describe
the Holy Spirit as “Comforter” in John 14:16.Barnabas and the Holy Spirit have one purpose: to give glory to God
through motivating His people to understand
and live for Christ.
The seed that had germinated needed a specialist to grow it
to be strong before it fully emerged in the
Antioch community.Barnabas instructed them to “remain faithful
to the Lord with steadfast purpose.”What was this purpose?To make,
baptize, and teach disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Though not overt, an underground seed is busy at work.That seed is given nourishment and direction
in growth by the shepherding farmer.The
nourishment is God’s Word and further discipleship which creates God-designed
rootedness in our collective call to plant a church.
Barnabas had but one fertilizer: the Holy Spirit’s power as
he enacted that power by faith.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to work in our church
plant.Pray we would remain faithful to
the Lord with steadfast purpose to make, baptize, and teach disciples.Pray that we would be good men and women,
full of the Holy Spirit and living by faith, not by sight.Pray that God would provide people and partners
so a great many people will be added to the Lord through salvation in
Christ.
