Acts 14: Tenacity
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Iconium, Lystra, Antioch. Jews, Gentiles. Healings, beatings, curses, cures. Zeus, Hermes, the Living God. Hardships, celebrations. Mythology, mysticism, illusion, reality. In all of these places, with all of these people, in all of these philosophies and approaches, Paul and Barnabas journey together to deliver the good news that we are loved by the Living God. I am exhausted just reading about their missionary journey as we watch these two faithful disciples of Christ persuade and teach, heal and call. Despite the fact that they see much of their work undone, they continue to rejoice in the work they do as God’s servants asks of them. They are an amazing – and successful – pair. They bring many into the church.
Paul and Barnabas have much to teach us who are discouraged when small details of the day become looming obstacles. They might show us that when we growl and complain about interrupted plans and schedules that we add to our own burden. We see that they do not fall into the trap of thinking that the world is an unjust, corrupt and unfair place. Rather than focus on the problems they navigate, they remain centered on doing God’s will. These two friends have discovered that tenacity and companionship are antidotes for anger and dejection. And they have learned that success comes most often and stays longest when they defer to God’s plan rather than their own.
Paul is a familiar figure to us but perhaps we can learn something more about Barnabas as he and Paul model how to best react when we see others dismantle the work we have lovingly delivered to God. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02300a.htm
Misunderstood by many, these two place their faith in God. Rejected by the tradition in which they had been raised, they place their hope in Christ. forgotten by the fledgling churches they have founded, they allow the forgiveness and healing of the Spirit to work through them. Barnabas and Paul refuse to allow any failure to deter them. They follow Christ. And they hold on.
And so we pray . . .
Faithful and abiding God,
We remember that you were the cornerstone that the builders rejected.
We believe that you walk with us in our journey just as you walked with the apostles in theirs.
We ask that you abide with us when the night grows darkest.
We know that you rejoice with us as we celebrate our little successes.
Lead us so that we remain faithful to you.
Guide us so that we remain hopeful in you.
Help us so that we react in love and not in anger when we see our work taken apart by others.
Grant us the gift of tenacity that you gave to Paul and Barnabas, on the days when we find our journey long, and our resources low.
We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A re-post from September 20, 2011.
Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/36099234483087340/
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