Barnabas Checks Out Activity Outside Jerusalem

This meditation is based on a passage for August 30, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Acts 11:19-30

Reflection and Question: Barnabas is a leader of the growing faithful community in Jerusalem. Hinting that God works even through difficulty, it is the scattering of the faithful due to persecution that gives rise to the mission beyond Jerusalem. News of this growing interest, including among the Gentiles, reaches Barnabas who is sent to Antioch where he finds faithful folk. Eventually, he connects up with Paul and they collaborate in teaching and receiving new believers. Even at this early time, faithful communities were connected as the Tarsus fellowship sent aid to Judea in time of need. How does your church embody this spirit of fellowship with all the faithful?

Prayer: Blessed Spirit of the living God, Barnabas found You in action in unexpected places beyond Jerusalem like Antioch and Tarsus. Inspire in us the same good faith as You did in Barnabas so that we may see You in action around us. Amen.