Journal Acts 13 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:
“Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.”
As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who (as they spoke with them), urged them to continue in the Grace of God.” Acts 13:36-43
Observation: What is it that I should aspire to? What is it that I want? What do I want to give up? What do I want to be changed in me? These are questions that do not go away; they are reflective questions for the face in the mirror all our days…
Analysis: Chapter 13 of Acts has this quote which has captured my heart for years: “For David, having served the Purpose of God in his generation…”
I am not an “titled” servant of the local church; I am not appointed as pastor, teacher, elder, deacon, etc. I am an “everyman” of the Faith. Serving the Purpose of God in my generation happens every day I wake up and shake the cobwebs from the empty space between my ears—and it happens with intent.
There can be a certain attitude that can be assumed that “Of course I am serving the Purpose of God” just by breathing—I don’t have to “do” anything. It is the same thinking that because I said “Yes” to Jesus, I am therefore a disciple. Nope, not any more than I know which end of a bat to hold makes me a Major League ball player. To be sure, this “serving God’s purpose” mindset is true—but only from the view of God’s Sovereignty. My responsibility of pursuing Sanctification means I have to truly exert EFFORT to pursue Jesus’ instructions and imperatives WHILE resting/trusting in His Grace.
I look at the hunger for the things of God displayed: serving the purpose of God; exhorted by the scriptures (Beware…lest what is said in the Prophets should come about…); begging for Paul and Barnabas to come back next week and say the same stuff again, and; following with desire to learn the things of God.
I want to daily be ASTONISHED by His Grace—not just acknowledge Grace—but be AMAZED!
Prayer: Father, this stuff you are burning in my heart and I am, by your grace, acting on it. I have to…what choice do I have?
Cause revival, heal my land,
AMEN