Division and Strength
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 56, 57, [58]; PM Psalm 64, 65
Job 40:1-24; Acts 15:36-16:5; John 11:55-12:8
In the New Testament epistle today, we read about Paul’s travels to check back in with churches planted along the Mediterranean Sea. He and colleagues went back “through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches” (v. 40) Good happened there, and we read that there was a cost associated with this, too.
In Acts 4:32-33, we read of this early community of Christ-followers, described in this way: “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” They were of one mind. As the shape of ministry matured, we read further in Acts that Paul often took the lead, though there were multiple leaders among the traveling band of brothers.
In Acts 15 while the crew was in Antioch, the choice to revisit previous sites was made by Paul. Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark along. Paul disagreed, because John Mark had left them earlier in the journey, missing out on the fullness of ministry they’d shared. Paul’s refusal to include John Mark caused a deep rift between him and Barnabus. We do not get a detailed account of how that shook out. What we read is that Barnabus (originally from Cyprus) and John Mark set sail to the island of Cyprus to continue their work. Paul and Silas headed to Syria and Cilicia, and beyond.
The church was nurtured by the ministries of the apostles and elders who sailed across the sea, time and again. Growth happened, and divisions occurred. Both are human, and the Holy Spirit was with them on their ventures. I wonder how Paul and Barnabus grieved the loss of their closeness. I wonder how they wrestled with the transition from being of “one mind” to taking different paths. I wonder how Paul’s ministry and Barnabus’ ministry changed and grew through that chasm.
Perhaps there is a chasm in your journey this week. God is with you in that rift. Faithful followers of Christ have been in that position. With the courage of the Holy Spirit, you will figure out the next right step, so pray and listen. Don’t rush the decision. And know that our God brings hope and resurrection. Let’s keep praying for one another and praising God together.
With God’s grace and truth
Katherine+
Connections in Your Life
The church marks today as Holy Cross Day. If you would like to understand more about this day in the tradition of the larger church, there is a summary of the historical context and scriptures appointed, too. Spend some time growing in your own understanding of the cross and what it means for your life as a Christ-follower.
Holy Cross Day
AM Psalm 66; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:11-17
PM Psalm 118; Genesis 3:1-15; 1 Peter 3:17-22