Devotional - April 17, 2024
Scripture: Galatians 2:8-10 For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
The word apostle sounds very impressive, but it's meaning is a little more mundane. It means missionary. A missionary is one who is sent with a task in mind. They are on a mission. God sends people on missions to accomplish his will on the earth. Like I said in the last devotional, our tasks may not be what we assume them to be. God has a way of stretching us with the missions to which we are called. The success of the mission depends on our relationship with God (John 15:5), because the scope of the mission is beyond what we can do on our own. Or at least, do according to our own devices. Notice again in the text that Paul's reference to Peter goes from Peter to Cephas. There are numerous speculations as to why this happens. It seems when Paul wants to address Peter, specifically, without leaving a chance for misidentifying him, he calls him Cephas. James, Cephas and John, the "pillars" of the faith/church, extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas. Remember, they had every right to reject Paul because of his actions as Saul and Barnabus is unknown to them. But they gave them a chance and watched to see what God would reveal to them. They knew that God knew their hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). Regarding Paul, I like how he recognizes his ministry as God's grace (2 Corinthians 4:1). Folks, we certainly need to do our part as God's servants, but the power behind our ministry comes from God (1 Corinthians 12: 4-6). So, how do we respond when we see God moving through others? Are we happy, thankful, jealous? Do we appreciate the help or worry we will lose our place? The "pillars" reaction to Paul and Barnabus is the right answer. One last thing, look at that last sentence. It deserves a devotional all it's own. We can never get so caught up in the spiritual, that we overlook (or should I say look-over) or miss the need (James 2:16). The word ministry means service and Paul liked to serve. He enjoyed being a part of the flow of resources God provided for everyone. A flow that gets clogged by corruption, by the rich and greedy. Paul liked getting those resources to people who needed it. He liked doing good, not just praying or preaching about it. Folks, this kind of work is more than loading your car with groceries and clothes on your way to a charity. So much can be accomplished in what we call the little things. Being considerate, being self controlled, not judging, but being gracious ...holding a door open for others. Does it always get appreciated, no... But that is not the point, doing it, is what is important (Matthew 5:45).
Pray with me.., Holy God we confess we do not appreciate the efforts of others as much as we should, others that You bless. Help us to stay mindful of the community You work through. Help us to help others. Be with our loved ones, bless them according to their needs. And bless our church, so we can be the people You call us to be. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
