Acts 14:21-28 – End of the Road

Read Acts 14:21-28

Paul’s first journey comes to an end, as they return to the point of their beginning. I wonder if he knew how many more journeys were ahead and where the Lord would lead? I get the impression he was ready, “on-call” you might say, for the Lord to lead in whatever direction. How about you? Do you stand ready for God to call you to your next mission?

Today’s reading was calm. No stonings or jail time, just straight up sharing and traveling. I like how they retraced their steps so they could encourage the young churches they had planted along the way. The young believers did need encouragement because entering the Kingdom of God is not without hardship.  Despite their hardships and angry mobs, the Word of God was preached and the Good News proclaimed. They had much success to report to the people of Antioch who had “entrusted them to the grace of God.” 

Many people today forget hardships will come. We often think that because we are Christ-followers our life should be smooth sailing. That was never part of the deal. Jesus is preparing that place for us, but the here and now is a different story. We do have the assurance we are never alone, and there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love. We have God’s word to stand on and the Holy Spirit’s power within us. We are pretty mighty when you think of it! But we aren’t without problems.

So while it’s the end of the road for Paul and Barnabas, for this first journey, it sounds like they were able to be surrounded by their first believers and able to stay put for a long time. Was it days, weeks, years? Does it matter? The importance is you stay faithful and focused whether you are in an active ministry or not. You take time to rest and be recharged. God works in our rest as well. We need to be listening for his voice, always.

This may have been the end of the road for their first journey, but certainly, God wasn’t finished with them. We can learn a lot from Paul and Barnabas. They were unashamed of the Gospel. They were bold. They were ready to endure hardship to further the kingdom. They trusted God for his provision. Do we have an unshakable faith like that? Or are we ready to call it the end of the road? For every day I have breath, I want to serve the Lord. Listen to Steve Green’s I Will Serve The Lord.

Let’s pray. Lord, you know my heart. Clean away the muck so I can boldly proclaim you as Lord. When I remember what you have done for me, your sacrifice, your unfailing love, I am humbled. I bow before you today and give you thanks. You are the guide of my life. This is not the end of the road, but the beginning of many wonderful journeys and adventures. May my life reflect you in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.