Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
In Acts 16:9-10, we are told of a striking surprise. Although we often think of the New Testament period as one in which God moves supernaturally, with miracles around every cornder, this is not actually the normal pattern. God’s people see his presence in what they are doing, but not this way. In a night vision Paul ses and hears a Macedonian man calling for help. If this were not an important and surprising event it would not have been mentioned. More often the Lord directs us through circumstances, desires, people in our lives, and, of course, through His Word.
How did Paul respond? Of course, he and his associates went to Macedonia. But what help did they bring? This was informed, not by the vision, but by the Scripture. They brought God’s Word, the gospel of Christ crucified for sinners, to the people they visited. The message and overall work of Paul was not changed by this vision, only the location.
This urges me to ask a question of myself and others with specific callings to ministry. What are we called to do as Christian pastors, teachers, or evangelists? we are called to bring Jesus’ words of life to others. So what of Paul’s vision? That told him where, not what or how. When the Lord sends me a vision telling me to go to Macedonia, I will go. Otherwise, wherever I am will do just fine. The mission never changes. Jesus’ work to reconcile the world to God remains the same, no matter where we are.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.