You Are a Gift

Written on 06/24/2022
Christian Dunn

2

Verse: Acts 13:2-5
2 While 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.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

Thoughts
What I'm struck by in this passage is the different roles people were called to play. There were disciples who were praying and discerning God's will, and praying for those being sent out, but not actually going out themselves. There was Barnabas and Saul who were sent out. And there was John (normally named John Mark, not to be confused with John the apostle) who went as their helper. It's easy to highlight the role of Barnabas and Saul because the story seems to be about them. But we can't overlook the importance of the other roles. 

If you read the ends of some of Paul's letters, you'll find lists of people he thanks (see Romans 16). Some he calls co-workers, some financial benefactors, some friends, some family...the point is Paul recognizes the importance of every person in every role as the Kingdom of God expands. 

While we are all called to be part of the mission to "go" into all the world, we don't all have the same roles. The question we should be asking ourselves then is, "what role is God calling me to play?" You may be a gifted pray-er who is supposed to be praying daily for the mission, you may be gifted financially and supposed to be a major contributor, you may be gifted with administrative gifts, or gifts of service, you may be an "idea" person, or a people person...it doesn't matter! What matters is, are you and I playing our part?

I wonder this morning as you read this, in what area of your life would God like to encourage you? In what area would he like to affirm your contribution to the mission of the body of Christ? You are a gift to the church. What you bring to God's mission is unique. Be encouraged this morning that God has a place for you, and pray about how you can step into that more fully!