In the book of Acts, we see a beautiful picture of how God sends his people to share the gospel and how he receives those who believe. This passage reminds us that we are God's prized possession and that he wants to use us to make a difference in the world. As followers of Jesus, we are called to go and be a blessing to others, sharing the love and truth of Christ. But we are also called to receive those who come to faith, welcoming them into the family of God.
The story of Barnabas and Saul being sent out on a missionary journey is a powerful example of how God uses his best to accomplish his purposes. Barnabas, known as the son of encouragement, and Saul, a former persecutor of the church, were chosen by God to spread the gospel and plant churches. They were gifted and influential leaders who were willing to go wherever God sent them.
As Barnabas and Saul embarked on their journey, they faced opposition from a magician named Bar Jesus. But God worked through them, and even the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, believed in Jesus. This shows us that when God sends us, we can expect opposition, but we can also trust that God will work through us to bring about transformation.
But being sent is only one part of the equation. We must also be ready to receive those who come to faith. Sergius Paulus, a powerful and influential man, put his faith in Christ, and he was received into the family of God. This challenges us to examine our own hearts and ask if we are truly ready to receive those who may be different from us or have a messy background. God loves them just as much as he loves us, and he wants us to welcome them into our churches and our lives.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect the heart of God. This means being willing to go wherever he sends us and being ready to receive those who come to faith. It means being a church that is open and welcoming to all, regardless of their past or their differences. It means loving others as Christ has loved us.
As we go out into the world, may we be people who are sent and received, reflecting the heart of God to those around us. Let us be willing to go wherever he sends us and to welcome all who come to faith. In doing so, we will be a powerful witness to the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
