14/09/2015 - WORTHY MAN OF GOD

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But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. Acts 11.20

Despite the order given by Jesus to the disciples be very clear (Mark 16:15), they only preached to the Jews. Today, when we don’t pay attention to what is said to us, we also act in the same manner. Therefore, when you are to read the Bible, or listen to the preaching of the Word, do not get involved with songs, conversations or other activities that will hinder your understanding and execution of what is revealed to you.

It was necessary that some Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene to enter in Antioch and speak to the Greek about Jesus, so that the gentiles could listen to the sweet message of salvation. We probably lose many things for not paying close attention to what we listen to. Most assuredly, we have let many blessings escape because we have listened to those that have nothing of God to reveal us. 

The same thing happens in our days, for the Master ordered that we preach the Gospel to every creature. However, in our cities, there are groups of sinners that we avoid evangelizing. We have created repulsion for those that the devil uses the most, both in witchcraft as in the moral sins. They are just like us, and therefore need to listen to the Word. In the days of Paul, there were the former sodomites, idolaters, the saved ones and other groups.

The work of those men was so big, that the news came to Jerusalem, and the church sent Barnabas to make sure of what was being done. Where has the information of what we do to the Most High arrived? It´s no use spending money so that the media will speak indirectly about your actions, for that does not work. The propaganda that is effective in the divine work is that of the Holy Spirit: He convinces those that have to be saved (John 16:7, 8). 

When he arrived, Barnabas was moved with what he saw. There were many reasons for that, for, once he was a servant of the Almighty God, he was able to recognize the work of the Spirit. We are God´s fellow workers (1 Corinthians 3:9), and not individuals that do their own will and think that the Lord has to bless them. When the work is of the Most High, all steps will be confirmed by Him; however, when it´s man´s work, everyone feels a tremendous burden, and it does not advance.  

It was said about Barnabas that he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith (Acts 11:24). What is said about you? Do not let yourself be fooled: he who commits a sin is of the devil (1 John 3:8). See if there is in you something forbidden by the Scriptures and do not feel that you are special, thinking that Christ will justify you in anyway. He who does not wear clean garments will be cast away from the community, just as the deceitful one will not remain in the house of God. 

Our prayer must be so that the young ones, like those in Cyprus and Cyrene, be lifted up. May those that truly respect the Word of God, come. He who learns from the Most High will never stop doing what is given him to do, nor does he rush things, because he knows that the work if accomplished by the Lord. 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares