Left in a cloud of dust -- Acts 13:51-14:7

"So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.  And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."  (Acts 13:51-52)

Isn't it fascinating how the disciples are able to move on to Iconium, just like that. These men must have been so confident in their mission and the One who taught them, they did not keep trying to change the people. They didn't feel like they had failed and needed to prove something.  What a lesson to learn from these verses. Jesus instructed them well, and He also taught by example.  Even though Paul was not a follower of Jesus while He was still on the earth, he knew what Jesus wanted.

We can have this same peace when we are rejected or persecuted; we can move on without regret and without turning back. All we need is to have the closeness to Jesus every day by embracing His Word before stepping out. When we share our faith with others it is not our job to change their heart, to convince them of anything.  That is the job of the Holy Spirit; we are only to be available, to be willing to share.

Oh, there is one more verse I wanted to make note of, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”  A close relationship with Jesus, time spent in His Word, result in an inexplicable joy.  To think these men were run out of town, threatened and who knows what else, and they were filled with joy.  I want some of that too.

Read Acts 13:51-14:7.

Acts 13:1-13

Have you ever gone on a missionary journey, perhaps a short-term mission trip?  If so, you know what I mean when I say it is life-changing.  Following my first mission trip I felt different, I felt empowered, called and necessary to the advancement of Christ's kingdom.  In other words it was a powerful experience which helped me to see that even my small part can make a difference.

In the book of Acts we read about the first missionary journey of Paul. We are only given a snippet of the happenings during these trips, but even these brief glimpses provide wonderful stories of God working through His people. It is these missionary journeys where the church is spread over the entire world. That is still true today in the trips we participate in; abroad and at home.

Paul and Barnabas were chosen by God to lead this endeavor.  "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:2)

We too are chosen by God and called to spread the Good News.  We might be called to travel outside the USA, and outside our comfort zone.  We might be called to serve right in our own neighborhoods; the mission field is everywhere.

Read Acts 13:1-13 here.