Acts 13. “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep…” (13:36). This is the verse I keep thinking about today – King David faithfully served the purposes of God in his own time and place. What about me? What about you? What is the purpose God has called you to – in this time and place – His purpose for you for this generation?

What if this is true of our generation – “I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.” (13:41) Are we open to seeing what God is doing in this generation? If someone shared with us stories of God at work, would we hear them and believe them? Would we want to be a part of His work in this generation?

In Acts 13 the Apostle Paul (no longer called Saul) and Barnabas (the encourager) are commissioned by the church at Antioch in Turkey to go out spreading the gospel and teaching. This is typically called “the first missionary journey”. We see them serving God’s purposes across Cyprus and Turkey, walking closely with the Holy Spirit who gave them direction, words, courage, and discernment.

As ministry pattern develops – Paul goes to the Jewish community first and many believe and encourage them to keep teaching (13:43). Other Jews become jealous, and this creates conflict (13:45,50). Then Paul turns his ministry toward the Gentiles, as this is what his calling was for that generation (13:46-47). The Gentiles hear the gospel and accept Christ, are full of joy, and the word of God continues to spread in the region (13:48-49). Both Jews and Gentiles are coming to Christ, but not everyone believes – just as Jesus forewarned in the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8).

Paul is preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, and a message of deliverance and freedom. “By him [Jesus] everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” (13:39) Paul also calls out deception and evil, silencing a magician who was full of deceit and villainy, and who continually made crooked and complicated the straight paths of the way of the Lord (13:8-10). In the work of the Holy Spirit there is freedom, truth, clarity, goodness, and straight paths that lead to life and joy. Let us ask for the help of the Holy Spirit in bringing these things to pass, for our generation.

What is the purpose God has called you to – in this time and place – His purpose for you for this generation? Are you open to seeing what God is doing in this generation? Let’s start with today – what is he calling you to do today?

Joy and purpose await us as we partner with the work of God. Look to see what he is doing!

What stood out to you in Acts 13?