Acts 13:13-52
Friday, 29 July 2022
'For so the Lord has commanded us “I have placed you as a light for the gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth’”’-Acts 13:47
During his first missionary journey, Paul was speaking to the Jews in the synagogue at Antioch. He was using the common ground of Old Testament history to drive the point that the Messiah promised to their forefathers through various prophecies was Jesus Christ. However, towards the end of his speech the Jews were filled with jealousy and began contradicting Paul and resorted to blaspheming (Acts 13:45). It is noteworthy that even in the midst of persecution, Paul and Barnabas were able to speak with boldness because they understood the purpose they had been called- (V.47).
The key aspects for us to comprehend are: Paul knew he has a God-given purpose for his life and he knew what that purpose is. This is important in every body’s life.
Your life has a divine Purpose
The Bible says that everything that God created has a purpose. We will know this purpose only through the word of God. However, knowing and comprehending that purpose, will make us focused and productive in our spiritual life.
Let us look into the life of Jesus. He says in John 12:27,28 “But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Jesus knew the purpose for which He was sent. Bear in mind: only by fulfilling the purpose of our life, we can bring glory to our Father in heaven! In the above portion, it is written about David that he completed God’s purpose for his life in his generation (Acts 13:36). David was somebody chosen and anointed by God. In the same manner, you are somebody whom God has chosen and anointed. Have you understood the purpose of your life? Please be assured today that there is a purpose for your life and ask the Lord to enable you to fulfill that.
Your purpose as a light
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus stated that we are the light of this world (Matt.5:14). How do we function as His light? Jesus imparts His glory to His disciples: “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them,” (John 17:22). This glory resides in our heart “to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2Cor.4:6). So, as believers in Christ, we carry the glory of God in our hearts and we are called forth to shine our light in bringing salvation to the ends of the earth.
About Paul the Lord says, “… he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;” (Acts 9:15). It is true in our lives too!! We need to seek God through His Word to understand our purpose clearly. We who have the Light of Life and carry His glory in our hearts, are called to bring salvation to the ends of the earth! Be reminded of 1 Peter 2:9 [NLT] “… for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
Our lives are God’s testimony in this world!! Will you be one?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to fulfill Your purpose in my life to be a light -in Jesus name, Amen.