Scripture:
Acts 16:6-10 ESV
[6] And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. [7] And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. [8] So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. [9] And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” [10] And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Observation:
The last several chapters of the book of Acts are the story of Paul’s missionary journeys after his salvation experience on the road to Damascus. Paul’s life was changed completely. After reading the first verse chosen for today’s SOAP, you might think the title is misplaced, but it’s not. The Holy Spirit had kept Paul from speaking in some places, and when HE did, they would move to another place. The point is that Paul knew what GOD had called him to do, and he just didn’t give up on it. He went from Asia to Misia and even attempted to go to Bithynia. Because Paul was determined to walk in the calling that GOD had placed on his life. Churches had already been planted all over, including the Galatians church. The gospel was getting out there, and Paul was determined to spread it as far as he could with as many as he could. One night, after a long day of walking, the Holy Spirit gave Paul a vision of a man standing in Macadamia asking him for help. It didn’t take long to convince him that they needed to go to Macadamia. So they set out to spread the gospel there as well.
Application:
I remember when I received the call. Ironically enough, I was on my way to prison. I was 18 or 19 years old and in a jail cell with 64 other men. I was scared to death. I knew I was going to prison. So, just like most who have made some kind of major mistake. I was searching for answers. So I turned to the bible. It didn’t take long for a few other men to jump in and want to study. Most of them knew more than I did. So, I actually learned a lot. After a few weeks of waiting for court dates and being in limbo. I was on my rack trying to get some rest and forget about the Kaos I had created in my life. I had been there for a few hours and was in that state of sleep where you were half awake and half asleep but aware of everything that was going on around you. In a room with 63 other convicts, that’s pretty much how you have to sleep. I believe what happened next is when GOD called me to ministry. I had a vision or a dream 30 years later. I’m still not sure which one it was. But I was looking over myself and the 3 other men who were studying the bible with me sitting at the card table when I looked up in the corner of the cell and saw a bright light. I remember being somewhat fearful of it. Or maybe intimidated is a better word. As I looked at the light, it swooped down and knocked me over in my chair to my back on the floor. The fear set in, and the only thing I heard was, “Don’t worry, it’s just Paul.” At that point in my walk, I knew nothing about Paul or who he was. I had just turned to the Bible to get me out of the mess I had gotten myself into. I didn’t even have a real relationship with Jesus. HE was a get-out-of-jail-free card. I feel like that day GOD called me to ministry. That was over 30 years ago… and I have not been in ministry for 30 years. In fact, I ran from it for almost 20 years and just recently submitted to the fact that GOD wants to use me. Sometimes, I’m still not sure why. But HE does, and who am I to deny HIM? When HE sent HIS son to die for me. Today, I stand firm in my calling. I know I have been called to preach. This might be something you have felt in you as well. One thing I know for sure, though, is we are all called to make disciples, and you don’t have to have a platform to do that. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few get in there and train the next workers. Equip them for the work of the ministry. That’s what we do.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you did not save us to sit in a chair at the church house and do nothing. We have all been given a job for the kingdom. Some are preachers, and some are teachers. Some are evangelists, but we all have a job, and that is to make disciples. Help us to see what You have made us for and how we… by doing our part can build the kingdom. We honestly just want to be used by you in whatever capacity you see fit. We love you and want that to show in how we treat others and our study and obedience to your word. Use us for your kingdom. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen