August 8, 2022

Acts 13:2 “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.” (The Message Bible)

At this point, Barnabas’ and Saul’s (Paul) calling would send them on a 500-mile journey mostly walking but a few short boat trips as well. They would have even more in store for their future. We often think of a calling as something extraordinary and for these two it certainly was. But whatever work God has you set apart to do is just as important even if it seems ordinary or commonplace. As part of the Reformation Martin Luther proposed “Every occupation has its own honor before God. Ordinary work is a divine vocation or calling. In our daily work no matter how important or mundane we serve God by serving the neighbor and we also participate in God’s on-going providence for the human race.” Paul wrote to the Colossians “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (3:17). Forgiveness isn’t just about removing the bad, it is freeing us to move to the good that God made us to be. Did you ever consider what you are set apart for?