The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
Acts 16:6-10 shows us a flurry of activity on the part of Paul and Silas. While they had many ideas and plans, somehow, the Spirit didn’t allow them to go to Asia to minister. We have no information about how the Holy Spirit prevented travel to Asia. We simply are told what happened.
It would be very nice, or so we think, to know how God communicated with his people. We may also think it unusual that the Lord would prohibit his people from engaging in Christian ministry somewhere. Yet, we do well to be encouraged by what the Lord did give us. For some reason, God’s own reason, Paul and his cohort were redirected. They engaged in care for Christians where they were. They were then directed in a vision to go to Macedonia, not Asia.
Notice that in any scenario, the leaders in Christ’s Church were active in proclaiming the Gospel. No matter what happened or where they went, there were people who needed to hear the message of forgiveness in Jesus.
I have many friends who frequently seem to be directed by God to go here, go there, do this, do that, say this, don’t say that. I admit that this only very rarely has seemed to happen in my life. It would concern me if it were to become a pattern. What do I know? The Lord has put me in my location, given me numerous vocations, and let me be busy about them. I’ll continue in that work until I hear something different. I know that the Lord of all is able to guide my steps without my specific knowledge or consent. If he wants me to do something else, he will let me know in one way or another. Maybe I’ll be able to help someone from Macedon. Maybe it will be some other person. Maybe it will require my travel. Maybe it will happen right where I am. I know the Lord can work it all out.
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