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PAUL: HIS FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
Acts 13:1-3

Acts 13:4-5

 

“…they preached the word of God

in the synagogues of the Jews…”

 

PAUL: HIS FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY
 
Paul’s contribution to the history of the early church was primarily his missions outreaches. The Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas for the work of missions. Their journey began in Cyprus and continued into the province of Galatia in Asia Minor. Along the way, they faced hostility, especially from the Jews who grew envious and spoke against them. Yet Paul and Barnabas pressed on, moving from place to place, proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even after Paul was stoned and left for dead, they returned to strengthen the disciples before going back to Antioch, the church that sent them forth.
 
This first missionary journey was marked by great opposition, but Paul and Barnabas were undeterred. They knew their labour carried eternal value. They understood the desperate need of the people to hear the truth. The world was shrouded in darkness, and only the light of Christ could bring hope and comfort. Trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they pressed forward, journeying to many places with unwavering faith.
 
Missionaries are God’s servants who persist in preaching the Gospel even in the face of danger and threats. They are not easily silenced by harassment or persecution. They endure poverty and infirmity because the Lord is their provider and strength. They remain stedfast because they know their work glorifies the One who saved them and set them apart for ministry. They are God’s soldiers, willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Christ.
 
Yet, such missionaries are few and far between today. Many in today’s generation hold themselves back from the path of Paul and Barnabas. They prefer comfort and convenience, unwilling to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. They are content to remain in cozy rooms, pursuing pleasure rather than sacrifice. What about you? Do you carry a burden for lost souls? Do you long to share the grace of God through Jesus Christ? Has the Lord placed a calling upon your life? May your heart echo the words in Isaiah 6:8: “…I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
 
THOUGHT: Am I truly called to lead others to believe in Jesus?

PRAYER: Father, if it pleases Thee, send me to do Thy work.

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