Luke, our author, stayed with Paul. We see a parting of ways now for Paul and Barnabas. They had had such a good run on the first missionary journey. But their vision for what was next or who would be included did not align. We’ve probably seen rifts between ministry leaders before, but this was a complete change of direction for these traveling companions. Paul thought highly of Silas, his new partner, and now they begin a new adventure together.
Early on, Paul meets Timothy, who will have an important role in Paul’s ministry of spreading the gospel. I was a little surprised after all the talk about circumcision we read in Galatians that Paul would put Timothy through that. But Timothy was considered a Jew, even if he was only half Jewish. The towns mentioned here, Lystra and Derbe, are both found in southern Galatia. Paul is now meeting the people for whom he writes the book of Galatians.
I wonder what it looked like to have the Holy Spirit prevent them from preaching somewhere? Were doors closed in their faces, or did they hear an audible redirection? It wasn’t like they had received a cell phone notification or GPS redirection due to a road blockage ahead. And it happened more than once! God made it clear somehow what the wrong ways were using some sort of warning sign.
We’re reminded to be as “in tune” to the Spirit so we can follow the redirects we get. How many times have we ignored clues or a word from Jesus himself and gone the wrong direction? I can look back at my life and see examples of those bad choices when I didn’t involve Jesus in the decision. I never want to miss Jesus’ voice of caution again.
You may be thinking, are there other messages or opportunities I’ve missed? We can only do better at focusing and listening, so we don’t make the mistake and miss hearing the voice of God. Maybe we’ll have a blessing like Paul and receive a vision or a dream that gives us a tangible clue!
Paul and Silas headed toward Macedonia, and Philippi is in that region. Paul will write a letter to the people of Philippi, the book of Philippians, and it was on this journey their relationship began. I’m going to keep that in mind as we read through what happens in this region. I had forgotten that Philippi was a Roman colony. There would be a lot of Gentiles there.
We meet one such new believer, Lydia, in this reading. Because she listened to and accepted Paul’s teaching, Lydia went from believing only in God to being baptized and accepting Jesus as Lord. Thankfully, Paul and his friends found the riverbank that day. The lives of Lydia and her household would be forever changed.
If only more people today listened to the Word of God and believed. Many people are saying there is a great revival on the way. I’d love to think that and be a part of that. We can each do a better job of listening to God, expecting him to respond to us, our prayers, our deepest needs. We don’t need to be afraid to ask God for his will to be done, but we should also be vigilantly listening for his response.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for how you were working in Paul’s life, directing his ministry and making your will clear to him. I pray for clarity like that to direct my path. I know you have grand things in store for me, and I am ready to move. I’ll be watching for the doors you open or the people you place in my path. Help me to see your will for me and be empowered to succeed for the kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
