Chosen

​Chosen
 
Acts 13:1-3 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
 
THE missional church is shifting from Jerusalem to Antioch. Remember Acts 11:26 The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. This is the church that had sent an offering to help the church in Jerusalem. God was expanding his kingdom into the nations. Because of its geography, the missional disciples could more easily move into Asia, Europe and Africa.
   Note the church leaders’ diverse backgrounds. Luke reminds us Barnabas was a Jew from Cyprus, an island 100 miles from Antioch (Acts 4:36). Simeon was also a Jew, but his Latin nickname Niger indicates he was of dark complexion, and he lived in the Roman culture. Lucius was from Cyrene in North Africa (Acts 11:20). Manaen had been raised in the same court with Herod the tetrarch. This is the Herod who grew up to rule in Galilee. He is the one who beheaded John the Baptist, and shamefully treated Jesus at his trial. Consider God’s authority to choose. From the same culture, God chose Manaan to become a disciple; whereas Herod became God’s enemy!
   Then we come to Saul, the last to come to Antioch (Acts 11:26). We also know he was a Jew trained in Rabbinical schools and at first a passionate enemy of Jesus. Even so, Jesus had declared his purpose for Saul: Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.”
   God had formed different men to grow up in different cultures. They had learned the ways of the world around them. Then they learned of Jesus, Son of God, Savior of all who believe. The LORD shaped these men into his purpose. Their hearts came to love God and love others. They are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
   Then God makes another choice. He sets apart Saul and Barnabas to a particular mission.
   All Christians are set apart. Each one of us is called to do the good work God has prepared for us. The work can be nearby or far away. When we are faithful to God’s call, the work is always with God.