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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
At the end of Acts 14 we read of Paul and Barnabas returning home. They have travelled around 1,200 miles, and this missionary journey took around 2 to 3 years. There must have been the satisfaction of a job for Jesus well done.
They came into their local church and they began to share all that God had done with them - and through them. They gave a full report. I did this in Nairn when I came back from Uganda last December. We must share at times what Jesus has done with us and through us - especially with the people who have been praying for us. They had supported Paul in prayer. Now they sit listening as he describes how Jesus had saved people - transformed people - healed people - how God had opened doors.
Can you imagine Paul speaking about it all, the light of Jesus shining from his face, and the marks of persecution visible too? I would have been among the first in line awaiting the doors to be opened on this occasion. I would have paid to have been present at such a meeting. O to have run a tape that night!
Yes - Jesus healed him - but the marks remained there as a reminder so that those who saw Paul would be aware that he was a loyal faithful and true soldier of Jesus Christ - a man of God who knew what it was to be in the front line.
He was now home to rest and be refreshed - to recuperate and be repaired. That is important too. Is this another aspect of mission, which is seldom mentioned? Rest cannot be over emphasised. Learn the rhythm of work and rest - work and rest. Keep saturated with the oil of the Holy Spirit and you will not burn out.
Over these past years we have heard much about ministers and pastors experiencing 'burn out'. Did they burn the wick instead of allowing the wick to be soaked in pure precious oil? The study of the Scriptures will keep us from many unnecessary problems and pains. We neglect God's Word at immense cost.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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