February 5th - Reflection

Reading
Acts 9:26-31 (NRSV)
The apostles reluctantly welcome Saul

When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. When the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Reflection
A good friend in Barnabas who brought Saul forward and explained how Saul had changed. A wonderful plan of God to take Saul, who was persecuting Christians, and save Saul from evil.

Loving actions taken first by God and then in the fellowship of Christians. Loving actions and caring hearts are what God brought in the coming of Jesus into our world. God and people jumping in to serve and love for those ill, or poor, or in need of love.

God showed us by example how to stand up for one another. Stand up for those in need. Stand up for a just cause. Stand up even to the point of exile. We stand for the love of God and the relationship of the Church, one for another and all for God.

That's how the church increases. Not by our own actions but by God's action through us. The church increases through the love of Christ and the movement of the Spirit throughout the people of God to those outside the church.

People of God willing to stand up and stand firm for the love shown freely and graciously through Christ Jesus. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, today, in love towards you and towards others, show me when to stand up and when to sit down and listen. Forgive my inaction and fear and call me to you this day, to follow your lead. --- Amen