WEEK ONE | DAY FIVE
“When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion…” —Acts 11:23
The story of Jesus—extending from Genesis through Revelation—is passed on by those who are sent: prophets, priests, angels, shepherds, ordinary men and women. Barnabas was sent by the Church in Jerusalem to see what was happening with the believers in Antioch. What a joy to find them faithful! He could see the grace of God! Barnabas encouraged them and ministered alongside them. He actually did more than encourage them; he exhorted them to remain faithful and committed to the Lord with “steadfast devotion.” He also pointed many others to Christ.
Born into a non-Christian home in Central Asia, Peter became a follower of Jesus in the early 1990s. After years of study and mentorship, he was ordained to pastoral service and planted a church in his hometown. God took Peter around the world for further study, all the while deepening his passion and care for members of his community. Nearly a decade later, Peter founded a Disciple Making Movement (DMM) in Central Asia. Now, this DMM now includes more than 350 churches and groups sharing the Good News of Jesus with their least-reached neighbors, growing and learning together in God’s grace.
Peter saw and experienced God’s grace and, remaining faithful, embodies the same spirit as Barnabas. He is participating in God’s mission to redeem and restore the world. God is richly rewarding his efforts. He will do the same with each of us. When we respond to His grace with obedience, it brings Him glory. Where do you see cause to rejoice today, and whom can you exhort and encourage to remain faithful? Pray for others, like Peter, who are doing this across the globe.