Paul, Barnabas and us

We could look at geography and the places that Paul visited, they would be interesting, but I am not sure that it helps with the question: what is God saying to us this morning?

In preparing sermons I think about what was happening at the time the passage was written, what it might have meant to the people hearing it the first time, then what might be wanting to say to us now.

First thing I noticed is that Barnabas and Paul travel together. Still today people travelling to new cultures, in another place or across the street, work with a travelling companion or an agency. It may be someone physically with them or a prayer partner or support person.

We live in a time when we are told to stand on our own two feet. We are told it is dangerous to be vulnerable, so be careful how much you say, it may come back to haunt you.  

I meet each month with a Spiritual Director, who challenges and encourages me, who asks questions that help me think through what I say believe about God and explores with me if this is consistent with what I say about myself and the way I act.

Have you ever had a friend or been part of a small group where each person is:

·         supported in faith,

·         able to ask questions,

·         be aware of God,

·         be encouraged to act on the leading of the Holy Spirit.   

What difference did it make to your life to be in that kind of relationship?

 ………………

The first paragraph of this reading reminded me of something I rarely see in the life of Congregations I have been part of. People together, praying and fasting, aware of the movement of the Holy Spirit and acting on that.

Can you remember a time that you were in a group that was aware of the leading of the Holy Spirit?

Did you act on that leading?

I have been aware of the movement of the Holy Spirit in meetings at times, especially at Synod and Assembly. We will be in the middle of something complex and messy, then there has been a moment of clarity throughout the room. It has been amazing to be present when that has happened.

……

In the passages this morning we hear of two ‘miracles’, a person who is stopping people from hearing the gospel is made blind, then a person who cannot walk is able to walk. The response to both situations is recorded, in the first instance a person comes to faith.

In the second, ….

Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for Greek Gods, people bow at their feet, and bring offerings to them.

We are not Gods!

We are ordinary people!

Turn to the living God.

Then we hear of the community turning against Paul, stoned him and left him for dead outside the city.

Another Minister wrote on Facebook this week, that when she writes her memoir it will be called Ministry isn’t for Sissies. I would say Christianity isn’t for Sissies.

You can be led by God to move at any time, to speak or help, to be generous with time or money or talent. And just because God is leading you in a task, doesn’t mean it will be successful or that you will not be attacked, verbally or physically. You may be misunderstood.

Paul’s travels are not just about Paul, they are about God.[i] The book of Acts shows the importance of the Holy Spirit in the spread of the Christin message.

I wonder when we are aware of the movement of the Holy Spirit and the action of the Holy Spirit in the world around us and in our own lives. When was the last time we, as a community of faith, followed a prompt from the Holy Spirit?

….

A big question for me is why do we do what we do?

As a Parish we teach Scripture in School, offer playgroup, school mentors, worship; we collect food and presents for local organisations; we support Frontier Services and Overseas Mission; we pray, we study the Bible, we care for each other.

Why do we do all this?

because we people transformed by God

it makes us feel valued

God demands this life from us

To get more people to church on Sunday morning

Why do we do all this?

In the Book of Acts, we read of people responding to the leading of the Holy Spirit; people speaking about Jesus in ways people can connect with; people putting their lives on the line for their faith.  

If another chapter or two were being added today, what would you include, what would you expect to see there?

---

[i]https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2420&fbclid=IwAR1WwkotvbIxL9Q9S8XzYCfZBvbdMORzuIb81N4OQX5ayA9hkVyPkWN-cRo