Acts 11 - Praying God's Word

 

Please read Acts 11.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/act/11/1/s_1029001

Meditate on verse 23-24.

 

Then when he (Barnabas) arrived and

witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced

 and began to encourage them all with

resolute heart to remain true to the LORD,

for he was a good man, and full

of the Holy Spirit and of faith. 

And considerable numbers

 were brought to the LORD.

 

Barnabas went to Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire, to meet with new believers.  Only Rome and Alexandria were larger, and Antioch was a vital military and trade route in what is now present-day Turkey.  It was here followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (v. 26).

 

What a vital city for preaching the Gospel!  Thankfully, good people like Barnabas, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, obeyed God’s command to go because the LORD had many souls ready to believe in Antioch.

 

But there were some of them, men

of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch

and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching

the LORD Jesus.  And the hand of the LORD was

with them, and a large number who

believed turned to the LORD.

—Acts 11:20-21

 

Do you want to be a “Barnabas”?  As a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7), pray for the LORD to make you and those you love like that faithful man, using the words from Acts 11:23-24. 

 

“LORD, give _________ and me a resolute

heart.  Help us remain true to You, LORD,

 encouraging others to do the same.

Make us good people, full of the Holy Spirit

 and faith.  Use us to bring considerable

numbers of people to You.

For the sake of Your name, Jesus~”

 

The WATCHMAN on the WALL, 4 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell