The Pilgrim Path---Acts 13: 1 – 3

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 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.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

“THEN AFTER FASTING & PRAYING…”

What a glorious assortment of leaders the LORD placed in the Church at Antioch. First, the LORD sent Barnabas from Jerusalem to help with the work (Acts 11: 22). We have seen that he was ready to serve and give and go. Simeon is the next soul listed. He is also called Niger. In the Latin, this means black. Most folk involved in the study of the New Testament do not find it difficult to believe that he was a Black man---a native of North Africa (along with Lucius of Cyrene). Manaen is a Greek form of the Hebrew “Menahem” (comforter). What is quite amazing is that Dr. Luke points out that he was a person of royal descent---lifelong buddy of Herod Antipas (but---a decided follower of Jesus Christ). Then Saul is mentioned. The Hebrew name by which Paul is so often remembered. He was noted last---but he was certainly not to be last in his usefulness for the kingdom. Culturally diverse-- but knit together by the Gospel of Jesus the LORD. Living in this world---but living for the Kingdom of the Ever Living One---Jesus Christ The Master! They all gather for worship in Antioch with the entire assembly of the saints. Apparently---a decision was made that a time of fasting was necessary.

The Church needs these special times of prayer and fasting. One of the chief reasons being: we easily forget that the Church is a spiritual enterprise. Degrees from Harvard Business School or Wharton are significant---but they are not enough. A Ph.D. in Leadership alone will not suffice for direction. Holy Spirit directed souls are needed. Looking to the LORD in genuine need and devotion is a necessity. Waiting upon guidance--- the Word provides-- and clear understanding of the situation at hand----it merges at the assembly of souls knit together in Acts 13. The Sweet-Sovereign Advocate of Heaven---the Holy Spirit, gave birth to their devotion, their planning, their praying, and their sending (and the prayer as the missionaries went). Interestingly, fasting is linked with this intercession in the “setting apart and sending”---for fasting is used of the LORD to separate us from the world and enhance our focus and dependance upon Him. Fasting is that spiritual devotion where we exhibit, “LORD---we need You more than we need food. Reach down to us please.” These godly souls could not help but hear from Heaven as they humbled themselves before The Master---and looked to Him in believing prayer. This was the Living Savior’s Mission that Barnabas and Saul were “appointed” to---how awesome a task! What a way to remind the workers of the immense responsibility of their calling---AND remind the Church at Antioch of its continued commitment to aid them in their labors. Thanks be to God!

From John Owen: Let the saints learn to act in faith distinctly on the Holy Spirit, and in all things believe in him and yield obedience to him. Let us worship him, serve him, wait for him, pray to him and praise him in faith. In his operations and effects he is the peculiar object of our worship. He ought to be honored and never sinned against. Few consider him as the Comforter and rejoice in him as they ought! Every time he comforts us, our faith ought to resolve---“this is from the Holy Spirit; he is Comforter, the God of all consolation.” There is no joy, peace, hope, nor comfort, but that he is working, giving, and bestowing it in his love. He was sent by the Father and the Son for this very end and purpose. By this means I have become a partaker of joy; it is in the Holy Spirit, HE is the Comforter. What price, now shall I set upon his Love! How shall I value the mercy that I have received? Such is applicable to every particular effect of the Holy Spirit towards us; in this way we have communion and fellowship with him…

From John Duncan: The Holy Ghost hath not left his omnipotence behind. He is not omnipotent in heaven and impotent in you…We live under the Pentecostal economy of the Holy Ghost; what was done that day was but the opening scene…

HYMN

Come, O come, thou quickening Spirit, God from all eternity!

May thy power never fail us; dwell within us constantly.

Then shall truth and light banish all the gloom of night.

Grant our hearts in fullest measure wisdom, counsel, purity,

That we ever may be seeking only that which pleaseth thee.

Let thy knowledge spread and grow, working error’s overthrow.

Holy Spirit, strong and mighty, thou who makest all things new,

Make thy work within us perfect and the evil foe subdue,

Grant us weapons for the strife and with victory crown our life.

Heinrich Held, ca. 1664

Translated by Charles W. Schaeffer, 1866; alt. ; alt. 1961.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason