Blessing: Sent to Bless

This lecture centers on the biblical narrative involving Barnabas and Saul, exploring the theme of commissioning and sending as an essential aspect of faith practice. The lecture opens with an examination of Acts 13, where the early church at Antioch, comprised of diverse leaders including Barnabas and Saul, engages in worship and fasting. During this time, the Holy Spirit prompts them to appoint Barnabas and Saul for a special mission, marking the onset of a profound journey of spreading the gospel beyond their immediate community.

The speaker reflects on a recent personal experience of being involved in welcoming families from various backgrounds into the community, exemplifying the blessings that come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. This introspection leads to a broader discussion on the importance of blessing others during times of unrest and uncertainty, paralleling individual experiences with the biblical call to bless and serve others. The lecture transitions into the concept of centrifugal blessing, where the church is seen not merely as a reservoir of faith but as a dynamic entity called to actively extend blessings outward.

With a detailed analysis of the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul, the speaker emphasizes the dual nature of sending: the church’s initiative to send based on its discernment and the Holy Spirit’s involvement in affirming that sending. The lecture highlights the emotional complexities tied to sending beloved members of the community on a mission, sharing personal anecdotes about the difficulty of parting. By dissecting the Greek terminology related to 'sending,' the speaker shifts the understanding from mere dispatching to a deeper act of releasing, which involves trust, sacrifice, and active participation in God’s wider purpose.

Continuing further, the lecturer explores the implications of being a part of a dynamic, mission-focused church, emphasizing that this mission transcends geographical boundaries. With reference to the historical context and the diverse background of the Antioch church, the speaker illustrates the importance of community discernment in recognizing and responding to God’s call. The narrative unfolds into a broader theme of how believers are invited to participate in God’s mission, whether through direct sending or through supporting those called to go.

The lecture addresses potential fears and barriers to responding to God’s call, reinforcing that such fears are legitimate yet surmountable through faith. The speaker encourages reflection on personal capacities and contexts that lend themselves to being a blessing to others, urging attendees to identify their unique callings in their immediate environments. This leads to an empowering message that every member of the congregation has a role to play in God’s mission, whether through direct involvement or by supporting others in their journeys.

As the lecture transitions to conclusion, the speaker encourages engagement with the community and prayer for clarity regarding personal callings. Invoking the audience to put their “yes” on the table, the lecturer highlights the importance of community support in facilitating individual commitments to be a blessing. The discussion culminates in a moment of reflection on the significance of communion, connecting the themes of the lecture back to the shared experience of the faith community.

Through the exploration of commissioning, the speaker invites all to reflect on their roles within the greater narrative of sending and blessing, emphasizing that this is not just a historical account but a contemporary call to action for believers today. This thoughtful engagement with scripture not only brings to light the practice of commissioning but also reinforces a community ethos centered on mutual support and active participation in God’s mission to bless the world.