Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 4:36, “And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Consolation), a Levite of the country of Cyprus.”
I heard the testimonies of a few people recently. I’ve always enjoyed listening to others share how the Lord moved in their lives to take them from lost and condemned sinner to redeemed and forgiven sinner. Part of it has to do with the fact that usually the one speaking is not a polished public speaker or a seminary-trained theologian, so their story is full of the characteristics that make it real and authentic. Another part is the opportunity to hear about the critical moments and points of crises that God placed in their path to reveal Himself to them, the hills and valleys of which there are a product or child. Of the stories I heard, a couple of them had spent their entire childhood in and around church as their parents had been on staff there. Another had felt the call to missions at an early age, and the other one knew nothing of the message of Jesus. But one also experienced the disappointment and sorrow of infertility in their marriage. One left their home and friends and church as their family moved away during the best part of his youth. One suffered abandonment and homelessness through a painful marriage situation, and one came face to face with the hope he had been putting in his family legacy rather than the saving work of Jesus for his own sins.
They each were a son or daughter of something, of many things. But by God’s grace, they had become a child of something else. None of them was shackled by the pain of their past. Neither was anyone praising God solely because of how great their parents were or how much time they got to spend growing up in church. The setbacks and successes were encased in the marvelous tapestry of God’s design which brought each of them to where they are today, humble followers of Jesus who lean on Him each day for peace and wisdom and grace. And while you are the son or daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Somebody, and you are the product of all that has affected and influenced you, you are most importantly and lastingly the son or daughter of God, loved no matter what, saved by grace through faith in the work of Jesus, and given a story that you may live out for His glory and your supreme good. And now you can see why I love to hear those testimonies.
As we seek Him today, recall where God has taken you, and worship Him that you are called to know and love Him who knows and loves you completely.
Have a marvelous Thursday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
