Overwhelmed by Good News. Sometimes I get overwhelmed. It can be about my health or about another’s circumstances, or it can be the kindness of others, or the goodness of God. I imagine that the first years after the death of Jesus were full of overwhelming experiences for those who believed in Him. From being thrown out to almost dying, to witnessing people healed and raised from death, to the simplest, smallest acts of kindness after a big humiliation. All of these were surely overwhelming experiences.
Staying Positive
One thing I have always appreciated about the New Testament of the Bible is the positive outlook the disciples were able to have about the worst things! Did you get thrown out of town or arrested? Were you lost at sea? Did you get stoned and left for dead? Glorify God that you were found worthy to suffer such things for the Name!
Their positivity came from a certainty that God would use all that they offered Him for His glory, and they offered Him everything! It didn’t matter what state of life they were in; they were willing to give even their lives. What is death if there is resurrection?
Offering to God
The first reading today talks about Paul being sent out on mission with Barnabas. Paul, who had been hunting down believers, arresting them, and bringing them to judgement, was now preaching and bringing people to Jesus. Paul himself would later write: “I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)
What is my offering to God today? Am I uniting whatever my present circumstances are (health, sickness, joy, sorrow, suffering, rejoicing, peace, calamity) to the offering of Jesus? That act of choosing to unite it to Him brings grace. Grace to my own current circumstances and to those of others. Let this be your worship today!
