SEPARATE BARNABAS & SAUL

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” – Acts 13:2.

REFERENCE:

ACTS 13:1-3

Although Paul had begun preaching the gospel, he was formally called into the ministry when the Holy Spirit instructed the church. He said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The church later commissioned and sent Saul and Barnabas out as missionaries after certain biblical patterns and the following profound principles were satisfied:

The Holy Spirit was involved: He identified Saul and Barnabas, putting their names on the hearts of the others. Scripture says, “No man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God.” God does the calling through the Holy Spirit, but He often uses men to confirm or establish it.

They were separated unto Christ: Before God could use Barnabas and Saul, they had to be separated unto Him. To be separated unto God, you must separate yourself from certain things. You can’t say “yes” to God until you can say “no” to things that will keep you from Him. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” You must refuse to become tied up in worldly affairs so that you can please your Savior.

The Church leadership attested to their character: Over time, the church leaders saw that Saul and Barnabas were men of noble character. They were a pattern of good works; in doctrine, they showed integrity, reverence, virtue, and sound speech that was above reproach. No one could fault their ministry or lives. The leaders were satisfied they were called by God, laid hands on them, and sent them away into the field to do missionary work.

Although our text speaks of church ministry, it equally speaks to everyone who desires God to use them in any arena of life. Be devoted to God, and improve in your area of ‘calling’. Be disciplined and reduce the time you give to irrelevancies (nothing goes for nothing), maintain good character and reputation with people, and be faithful where you work or volunteer now. Soon, God will promote you and assign you to a place of high impact and relevance. He will instruct a man, board, committee, organization, etc., to separate or appoint you for that position for which you have separated yourself for so long, in Jesus’ name. GET READY!

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY: 

2 Timothy 2:4, Genesis 41:37-44 & Proverbs 22:29

PRAYERS:

+ Lord, I set myself apart unto You for Your purpose for my life. Qualify and equip me for every assignment You have for me.

+ May Your anointing beautify my life and take reproach away from me. From today, I have your seal upon me that says, “Touch not my anointed, and do my prophet no harm!”

+ Father, raise men, organizations, boards, committees, etc., to acknowledge Your purpose for my life, and when my due season comes, may they call for me as Pharaoh called for Joseph.