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
