The First Body Builders

Nah! This isn't about tightening up the abs or burning fat in the weight room. It is about building up the body of Christ. Jesus was the first apostle or "sent one". The twelve apostles that the Lord hand picked were His personal disciples. After those twelve there came an event recorded in the scriptures that still holds true today.

Acts 13:1-3

Barnabas and Saul Sent Off

In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

We all know the story about the apostle Paul. He and Barnabas were the first to be sent by the Holy Spirit. The prophets and teachers in Antioch were spoken to by the Holy Spirit. This is God's way of activating ministry. He initiates the call. He fore ordains whom He will call. The qualifications of Paul and Barnabas had nothing to do with them being chosen. Paul was a former enemy of God. God humbled Paul and his incredible conversion laid the groundwork for the incredible work that God would eventually call him to do. This is the way it is supposed to work. When God initiates the call then we have a much better chance for success as long as we are obedient to that call.

The church today is in great need for true apostolic ministry. The true body builders are the ones appointed by the Holy Spirit. This is the Holy Spirits' call. It's His engagement that we so desperately need. For many of us, we see this as a dangerous path. I believe that the root of that kind of thinking comes from our inability to hear spiritually. We have not exercised our spiritual ears. We are greenhorns in the spiritual realm. We like to have control. That is our downfall. We cannot have control and reap the fruits of the Spirit.

The church will have unity when we unleash God's body builders to do His work. He has shown us how it is done. He has given us clear instruction. Lord give us the eyes and ears to see and hear your Spirit at work.