Little "CHRISTS"

6/11/2010
Barnabas, Apostle
Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3 (NRSV)

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled 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. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians."
At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, 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.


DEVOTION

It strikes me that today's reading says, " it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians.""

Now, to my understanding this term, "Christian," was not necessarily an endearment. It was a term used to disparage the followers of The Way for trying to be "little CHRISTS."

The Christians, themselves, ultimately chose to wear the word as a badge of honor and that is why we are called "Christians" to this day.

But, what is it that caused them to be called "little CHRISTS" in the first place? How is it that they were so successfully emulating the Lord that their enemies felt compelled to disparage their work and ministry?

Well, the answer is found in Acts 11 where we learn that they were speaking the word, proclaiming the good news about Jesus, and making disciples. Furthermore, their countenance was full of the Holy Spirit as they bravely endured persecution and as they joyfully, faithfully, and steadfastly lived out their faith through teaching, giving, fasting, and praying as the Spirit led!

Oh, that we were all so much like Jesus in 2010 that non-believers felt compelled to comment upon it! Lord, may it be so...


Let us pray:

Dear Holy God, please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Please empower me by your Spirit to be like Jesus. Please give me the heart and hands of Christ in your world and help me to share the good news that Jesus saves to the utmost! I pray this in His Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta