Artwork: Ignited, by Leslie Young Marks
“Now, in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers.” (Acts 13:1a)
And what a bunch they were. Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. (Acts 13:1b)
It would appear that the centre of the Early Church’s’ vibrancy, polity and piety has shifted from Jerusalem, which under the leadership of James has maintained authority and remains to be a key centre, yet the vibrant, pulsing heart of the Church engaged in the words, works of Jesus, discerning, discipling and deploying, has become this wonderfully culturally diverse, spiritually astute and Spirit filled, community in Antioch.
And it is here that we discover the beautiful synergy of Word and Spirit – Worship, Fasting and Prayer – creating a space for not only the engaging presence of the Spirit tangibly evident, but His leading, guiding and sending work on full display.
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said.” (Acts 13:2a)
Jews and Gentiles. Prophets and teachers. Fasting and worship. The diversity of people, engagement in multifaceted – λειτουργέω (liturgy)- liturgy and spiritual disciplines captured in just a few words here are quite remarkable and captivating.
And – the voice of the Spirit.
“Luke has stripped away any ambiguity about who is driving this story. This is the Spirit’s doing, the Spirit’s work. By this chapter we find the Spirit speaking clearly through and to the disciples. The voice of the Spirit and the voices of the disciples are together but not confused. The agency of the one does not negate the action of the other. At Antioch, we find people who know how to listen to the Spirit.” [1]
But it’s not enough for these early followers of Jesus to simply bask in the wake of a great worship experience and prophetic utterance. The word of the Lord was clear. Obedience anchored to the stability and safety of some more fasting and prayer, verifying the prophecy and solid discernment (remember, teachers and prophets in harmony), Paul and Barnabas were to be – ἀφορίζω (set apart)- appointed for something very distinct that they were being called to.
“After they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:3)
As we enter into our annual rhythm of prayer and fasting in a couple of weeks, let us engage as those in Antioch so long ago. We are anticipating not only the wonderful, tangible Spirit of God defying the distance and digitalization of Zoom, but also confident we will hear the clear, clarion voice of the Holy Spirit to guide us in setting a part people for works of service and ministry in Vineyard Canada for the next leg of our journey.
Step by step.
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[1] Jennings, W. J. (2017). Acts (A. P. Pauw & W. C. Placher, Eds.; First edition, pp. 132–133). Westminster John Knox Press.