Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Word
“The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord…And they sent Barnabus to Antioch.” (Acts 11:21-22)
Meditation
Today’s meditation is written by Susan Senechal.
Our early years of parenting were spent with a couple, also from Ohio and transplanted to Texas and without family nearby. Our kids, two each, were just a few months apart in age. We are godparents to their oldest, they are godparents to ours. Holidays and non-special occasions were spent together, and life was good. We prayed together and learned how to follow Jesus better together. We encouraged one another and built each other up.
Then came the day they told us they were moving. I cried: if not outwardly, then inwardly. I had really never had friends like this. I couldn’t imagine finding friends like them again. My husband prayed for the void to be filled, and God surprised me with two new dear friends who entered my life. We parented together, prayed together, and made each other better for years. And then one of them moved. I mourned. Do you see the pattern?
But that’s what God does. He moves his people around and places them where he needs them for his purpose to be fulfilled.
Our church operates under the vision of “Loved and Sent.” As a teaching church, we frequently send student pastors and workers into the field of God’s service. And we do it with a flourish—praying over them in a moment of sending during a worship service. We recognize that our purpose is to raise up workers for service in the kingdom.
We need to recognize that all of our Christian friends are to be workers in God’s kingdom, not just the professional church workers. Pastors and teachers, yes. But also business owners and factory workers; co-workers, soccer coaches and moms; and that family that is not family by blood with whom we have shared cherished memories.
It can be painful when friends move, but we need to start celebrating these moments as sendings, releasing friends with our blessings to touch other lives and share the love of Jesus in new places, new jobs, new families. That’s how God’s kingdom grows and is strengthened. That’s how it worked for Barnabus and the people in Antioch, and how it works in St. Louis or wherever you call home.
And once you send, you have more room to welcome others, to encourage them and be opened to encouragement from them. The cycle continues, and the circle of God’s love grows.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to see that times of loss, when friends move, are times to celebrate the growth of your kingdom. Help us lovingly to release our friends so they can share your love in new work places, new neighborhoods, new cities. Help us to send with celebration. Amen.
Prayer for the Spirit in Those Around Me
- For the Spirit to work faith in the hearts of those far from God, especially for my family and friends who do not know God as I do. I name them now . . .
- For the fruits of the Spirit in me and those I know: that my roots grow down deeper that fruit may sprout up. For more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
- Fill us when spiritually empty, strengthen us when weak, compel us when doubts conspire against me.
- For more people to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Benediction
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. (Rom. 15:13)