Devotion by: LaVonne Gysan
Acts 11:19-24
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord.
Today’s reading prepares the way to include “all people” for the Lord. Before now the disciples of Christ “spoke the word to no one except Jews.” When Stephen was martyred, many of the followers of Christ were scattered and went to: Cyprus (a Mediterranean Island), Cyrene (in North Africa), Antioch (now Turkey). They shared the good news of Jesus with Hellenists (Greeks or non-Jews)!
The church in Jerusalem was concerned about non-Jews joining their group. They sent a faithful follower Barnabas to Antioch. He was thrilled to find in Antioch (the third largest Roman city after Rome and Alexandria) faithful believers who were not Jewish. This was the beginning of spreading the word of our Savior throughout the world until it has now reached you and me.
As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary of Christ the King Lutheran Church, we need to remember that we also are to be an “Antioch.” One of our mission statements is to “evangelize the Gospel.” In our reading for today Antioch was the place where the followers of Christ were first called Christians. This is the first time the followers of Jesus were clearly distinguished from Jews. From Antioch the news of Jesus’ death and resurrection spread throughout the world, so that we are privileged to experience the reverberations of their evangelizing in our own time.
On a personal note, my husband and I along with others from Christ the King were privileged some years ago to visit Antioch in Turkey. While there I personally remembered that one of our members Peter Saba was baptized there. Although he was born in Damascus, his parents felt strongly that he should be baptized in the place where the believers were first called Christians. What joy to see some of his children being baptized here!
PRAYER: Thank you, dear Jesus, for our Christian brothers and sisters who made it possible for us to know you –those of centuries ago and those in our lives today. Bless our congregation so that we may be an “Antioch” from which your Gospel continues to travel. In your name we pray, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment