Welcome to week seven of Weekly Word!
We pray that these weekly readings continue to be a blessing to you! Below, you’ll find your readings for this week, along with discussion questions and a short devotional for you to enjoy at the end of the week.
Readings:
- Acts 13-14
- Luke 9:23
Devotional:
Readings: Acts 13-14 | Luke 9:23
Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey was a whirlwind of highs and lows. They were highly revered one day and stoned almost to death the next. Yet, their message remained: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” They understood the cost of the call on their lives.
Jesus’s words in Luke 9:23 define this cost: “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” Taking up the cross isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily decision to put God’s mission above our own comfort.
This week, you might face a moment of rejection or a difficult sacrifice. Remember that Paul got back up and went into the next city. The cross is heavy, yes, but it is also the only path to the Resurrection. Your endurance is living proof that the One you follow is worth everything you have. Be encouraged: Jesus promises to be with you, always!
Discussion Questions:
- Paul and Barnabas faced both reverence and stoning in the same week (Acts 14). How does “taking up your cross” help you stay grounded when people both praise and criticize you?
- Mission requires “sending.” What are you currently holding onto that you might need to “send off” to follow Christ more fully?
Dig Deeper
Many Christians want to be used by God, but don’t think they are quite ready. We want a little more training, a little more knowledge, or a little more experience. However, looking back at the call of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13, we find there’s really only one reason God calls someone to ministry, and the answer may surprise you!
Check out this 2020 sermon from Pastor Andy, titled “Set Apart for the Work.”
We are praying for you as you dig into God’s Word this week!