Set Aside and Sent Out

Acts 13:4-5 (NIV)  The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.  When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

Barnabas and Saul had been set aside by God for this task.  John was with them as their helper. Research indicates this was Barnabas' home; so he was in familiar territory. My first thought was of the scripture that tells of the prophet being rejected in his own town. Would this be a tough assignment?

My second thought reminded me these two men had been set apart from the others by the Holy Spirit.  What does that mean? Surely it will make a huge difference in their ministry. God had a plan and Barnabas and Saul, (also called Paul) were on the cusp of a new adventure.  Whenever God sets us apart for a specific time or assignment, we can be certain it will be life-changing.

John, chosen to go with them as a helper, indicates the mission would be more than the two of them should tackle alone.  We all need help on occasion, even if that help is a novice, someone still in training.  If two heads are better than one - certainly three heads even more so.  When God assembles a team like this, when the Holy Spirit sends us out on mission, things are going to happen.

Acts 13:4-5