Thursday, February 3, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: 2 Timothy 3-4
SCRIPTURE READING
END TIMES READING PLAN: 2 Timothy 3-4
SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 9:26-27 (NIV); When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul [Paul] on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Where would Paul have ended up had Barnabas refused to defend him? Paul already had to spend a number of years at his home in Tarsus following his conversion. Even this very encounter took place three years after Paul had committed himself to Christ. Paul had wreaked havoc upon the church, even going door to door and dragging men and women off to prison. It was no wonder the disciples hesitated to accept his conversion. But Barnabas took it upon himself to endorse Paul, despite the uncertainty of the others.
It is easy to envision ourselves in either character’s shoes. We are the Paul; having done something to cause mistrust, and we must work to regain that which has been lost. It takes humility and submission to authority to find restoration. Or we are the Barnabas; the one who keenly observes and responds to another’s checkered past with love, forgiveness and acceptance. Both attitudes are indispensible within the body, as God is a God of redemption, restoration and reconciliation.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) Consider the verses, and the situation with Paul, Barnabas and the disciples. How has this been the “story of your life” in the past or present?
2) Ask the Lord to show you someone who needs to experience the redemption, restoration and reconciliation of God. Perhaps it is a coworker or a friend, or a stranger. Ask God how your actions – simple or extravagant – can demonstrate these things.
3) Who are you holding hard feelings against? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unforgiveness. Maybe you are angry with someone of authority who has humbled you, and inadvertently humiliated you, too. Ask God to reveal what is keeping you from forgiveness. Spend some time in repentance and ask God to help you to forgive.
3) Who are you holding hard feelings against? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unforgiveness. Maybe you are angry with someone of authority who has humbled you, and inadvertently humiliated you, too. Ask God to reveal what is keeping you from forgiveness. Spend some time in repentance and ask God to help you to forgive.
