Decision-Making

Acts 12:25-13:1-3 

12:25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

13:1 Now 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. 2 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.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

12 Spies

Moses sent 12 men to explore Canaan; each of the 12 tribes was represented. The men reported; 10 men told the people that it was impossible for them to conquer and capture the land because of the giants living in Canaan.

Caleb and Joshua said, “It is possible to take possession of the land.

The Israelites were confused, some thought of returning to Egypt.

Numbers 14:36-38 says, 36 So the men Moses had sent to explore the land, who returned and made the whole community grumble against him by spreading a bad report about it— 37 these men who were responsible for spreading the bad report about the land were struck down and died of a plague before the Lord. 38 Of the men who went to explore the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh survived.

Do you think God would ignore those who promote confusion in the church?

God has reserved appropriate consequences for our action whether good or bad. When we decide on something, we have tendencies to be partial in our actions. Some use instincts, others decide on emotions, inclination, or past experiences.

Partiality was not absent in the 1st century church; the present is not exempted. We recall that Agabus prophesied about severe famine in the entire Roman world. Famine happened during the reign of Claudius; the disciples was united to help.

In Acts 11:29-30 it says, 11:29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

When Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch, they brought John Mark with them.

1. Partiality

In Acts 12:25 12:25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

At first glance, it was no big deal to bring John Mark with them in their journey. Mark was actually a cousin of Barnabas; Mark was a potential disciple to train. Why not? When Peter was put in prison, John Mark’s mother opened her house to be used as a place for prayer.

In Acts 12:12,12 Peter went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 

Mark was no stranger to the work of God and he was a close relative of Barnabas.

To disciple a relative, a cousin, is remarkable; no harm about that, right? Decisions, based on inclination or pulsation, are partial if they are not prayed for. Partial decisions invite consequences that are not readily appreciated, though.

Barnabas and Saul were set apart for mission and they brought Mark with them. John Mark, however, was not ready for the hardship of mission endeavour. Mark grew up with silver spoon and mission is not for faint-hearted believers. John Mark became the cause of confusion between Barnabas and Saul or Paul. Saul was then called Paul at that time when he parted company with Barnabas.

In Acts 15:37-41 it says, 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Paul ignored anyone who causes discouragement and confusion in his ministry.

Partial decision based on inclination would invite confusion in the leadership. Churches these days are not exempted from such partiality in making decision.

Church Planting

Not a few bought the challenge of the proposed church-planting project. A former church leader who just came home after many years of stay in America made sure she was heard: “Why not just send financial support instead of planting churches. We need church worker here, anyway.”

The leaders were confused whether to church plant or send financial support.

Many ministry projects are put on hold because of partiality in making decision. Many decisions made are partial to what influential and wealthy Christians’ words. Pray that God would spare our church leaders from deciding based on partiality. Instead, let us spend more time in prayer that God would raise more leaders who would truly spend time in prayer and intently listen to the will of God.

2. Prayer

13:1 Now 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. 2 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.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

There were also influential believers, prophets, and teachers in Antioch. The church did not decide based on who was more influential or more capable. They didn’t choose Manaen who has great influence in the government.

Scholars suggest that Lucius was the same Doctor Luke who travelled with Paul. Since Saul changed his name to Paul, Lucius probably changed his name to Luke. If that’s so, then, being a doctor, Lucius or Luke was not far from being influential.

When they decided to send Barnabas and Saul, it was not also because they were active in mission, but because the church leaders listened to the Holy Spirit.

Chinese Church

Because of their past experiences, it would take extended time for the leaders of a Chinese church to trust anybody who would join their church. The church is friendly and prayerful; prayer was top priority in that church. One leader confessed that they don’t promote or publish ministry needs. He shared one instance: their worship team transferred to another region. They did not promote nor invite musicians; they prayed that God would send them talented singer and instrumentalist, and God answered their prayers. They spend time in prayer if they need leaders for particular ministry. God has been faithful to send, raise the right leader at the right time. They saved themselves from confusions they have experienced previously.

Most churches these days are very anxious and desperate to grow in quantity. Instead of spending time in prayer, they cannot wait on God; they print out fliers. They blame the lack of announcement efforts for the shortage of volunteerism.

Promotional efforts are needed when church members are not actively involved. If the parts of the body of Christ are actively involved, there’s no need to promote. As we experienced previously, God washes the germs, dead cells that bring unpleasant odour or making the body of Christ confused, weary, lazy, or sickly.

Let’s pray that God would constantly do that.

Christ is the head of the church; each believer is part of the body of Christ. Christ is well aware about who is genuine and who brings confusion to His church. When the time is ripe, Christ Jesus comes again and brings with Him His rewards.

In Ecclesiastes 12:14 it says, 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Whether you believe it or ignore it, it doesn’t matter; it will not change the result. And there are rewards prepared and waiting for the faithful genuine disciple. There are also appropriate consequences for those who bring confusion to the church.

That’s for sure!

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