Day 28 - Going First.

Acts 13:1-3 (ESV) - Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 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.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

(Read all of Acts 13)

Pioneers are people who break new ground, explore the unexplored, do what has never been done, often putting their lives at risk. Pioneers have one thing in common: they go first. Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon. Amelia Earheart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. David Livingstone was the first missionary doctor to explore the continent of Africa. They all went first.

Since its inception, the church of Jesus Christ has been a pioneering church. Acts 13 is a turning point in the growth of Christianity, as God calls Barnabas and Saul to a pioneering work: to preach the gospel among the Gentiles (non-Jewish, Greek-speaking people). They were called to parts distant and unknown. They would be breaking new ground. Their calling is a reminder that sometimes God summons people to a pioneering work or task—something that is a “first,” something that is distant—geographically, linguistically, culturally, or even economically. Paul and Barnabas were breaking new ground, they were true pioneers. 

Note the circumstances of Paul and Barnabas’ calling. They were part of a church community that worshipped and earnestly sought the will of God. They were already serving locally and were among a diverse group of leaders in Antioch who exercised their diverse gifts. They were summoned by God, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the church affirmed and confirmed their call, releasing them for the work. Summoned, confirmed—in prayerful dependence—to go first. 

God still calls and summons pioneers—those who go first. Whether it is as a cross-cultural missionary to one of the 7,000 unreached people groups in the world today, or simply to a new person, place, or neighborhood here at home. 

The church still sends pioneers, people who are led to reimagine their place in God’s plan.

PONDER:  Where is God calling you to "go first?"

REFLECTION or DISCUSSION:
Imagine the excitement, fear, and hope Barnabas and Saul must have been feeling when the Holy Spirit gave the call for them to go. We have the chance to have the same response to such amazing calls today. How will we respond to God’s call in our lives to go? 

Read Acts 13:1-3. Whom did God call? God called Barnabas and Saul to go to grow the church. What is something God might be calling you to? Pray for God’s call on you.