February 06, 2020: SOAP #3717:  Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 13:6 They travelled through the whole island [of Cyprus] until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

Observation:  Barnabas and Saul were sent out by their home church in Antioch on their first missionary journey.  They traveled to the coast and then sailed to the island of Cyprus.  They did not have an advance crew to let people know they were coming.  News of their presence probably traveled by word of mouth.

Barnabas and Saul met a “Jewish sorcerer” who had the ear of the Roman governor of the island.  I get the idea from reading the scriptures that what the governor heard sparked his interest and he wanted to hear “the word of God” from Barnabas and Saul for himself.  Maybe he did not trust Bar-Jesus to give him the full story.

Application:  Reading this passage, started some questions in my mind.  If someone wanted to hear the word of God, would they send for me?  Do I speak of God in a respectful way?  Can people tell from my conversation and lifestyle that I have a personal relationship with God?

Even more important, can God use me to carry His word to someone who needs encouragement, comfort, or hope?

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, I want you to trust me to speak for you.  Send me with your word to someone today.  Holy Spirit, speak through me and touch through me, I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!