Apostolic example of the best kind

       Do you recall reading a math equation in school about train A and train B leaving, add speeds and come up with an answer as to where they might meet or how long it will take for Train A to get to it's destination? I might start with a new one involving the Concorde leaving New York for Paris. It might seem like minutes if not perhaps seeming to go back in time it is so fast. How about we look back at the Apostles and their travels as noted in today's passage. How long does it take Barnabas to get to Antioch? It would be at least a six day walk, perhaps a bit faster by some more modern transport - like a horse. 

       The Way was spreading almost like wildfire it seems and without benefit of FaceBook, Twitter or CNN.  These ancient believers, Apostles and Saints of Jerusalem travelled much of the known world and even further on in the coming years.  It seems a far cry in comparison to the world we would know , a far cry even from a world we might see as destitute or poverty stricken by our standards. Rich living was not something that truly existed save very few.  The decadent American lifestyle of the rich and famous was a bit down the road beyond imagination, not part of their nightmares.

          But in this ancient world of travel, they did have something that we are familiar with. Well, we have heard of such things anyway - famine. It's worth noting that the combination of long distances and the ability and to help others was not beyond their abilities. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

       When life seems to hold almost bare sustenance for themselves, when persecution is a way of life for them, the faithful feel compelled to help their brothers in a foreign land quite some distance away. How do you even get any large amount of assistance to their destination in this ancient world? There are is no DHL, no FedEx, no air drops. They did what they could as best they could even in the face of some serious logistical problems.

        So the question remains. If we have the money to board the Concorde in New York, couldn't we just board a Lufthansa flight for far less money and make our own journey to wholeness that much better by giving the excess to the poor and needy? The real question is, to what lengths are we willing to go to help our fellow man? Are man made borders our limit?  How about nationalities?  What time, talent and monetary restrictions do we place on God's love?

         Once again, the disciples give an example. 

         

Acts 11:19-30

 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord.News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.

 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.