Acts 13:2-3 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Two things stand out to me about this passage. The first is that there was multiple leadership that totally ignored distinctions of race and social class, and the second is that when God chose some to go out for work elsewhere, not only did they not hesitate, they sent the best. Barnabas obviously had the most seniority, since he had originally been sent out by the Jerusalem church to check on things in Antioch, and Saul was the most on fire. Of course they were only agreeing with the Holy Spirit’s choices, but it still had to be somewhat painful for the church in Antioch. God doesn’t choose the lazy ones, the ones who barely get by. Of course, removing these two required that the other three leaders, and the church as a whole, step up and do more, but that too was for their growth. God doesn’t ignore the “lazy” ones, the ones who “barely get by,” He challenges them to move in closer to Him, to recognize and fulfill their calling in Christ. The New Testament pays a lot of attention to specific people, but the rest all have their place as well. Whether you are in the spotlight has no bearing on whether you are a child of God. We all need to recognize that we are included in God’s plans and rejoice in that fact, giving ourselves to Him however He directs, for His glory.

Naturally, this applies to me as much as it does to anyone. Growing up in a missionary family, I was very aware that God has different tasks for different people. On visits to the US I ran into people I was very glad were not on the mission field in Japan! However, God had ways in which He wanted to use them where they were. Right now I am feeling more and more strongly that God is going to be taking me away from this congregation, not to live but to minister elsewhere on repeated short-term trips. That’s going to require that the believers step up and do things they have been leaving for me to do. A week from today will be a taste of that, as Cathy and I will be in Tokyo and they will have a service as usual, including a meal after the service, when meals have been very much Cathy’s territory. I don’t know what all will go on, but I know that it will be good, even if there are seeming “disasters” in the process. I have allowed this church to be largely centered on me, which is simply wrong. I am in strong agreement that being centered on Jesus is essential for any church, and for the Church as a whole, but I haven’t acted like it sufficiently. I haven’t been good at delegation, at genuinely trusting people with responsibilities, and that has hobbled this church. I think God is taking me away from the church for its sake, as much as for any other reason. I delight to share the Word, but others need to recognize that God speaks to them as well, and step up to share what He has said. I won’t stop talking wherever I am!

Father, thank You for this timely Word. Help me do exactly what You intend and nothing else, allowing others to do what You have for them, so that the Body as a whole may be built up, for the blessing of all involved and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!