Finding Favor

Acts 14:26-28

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

Now you got to send the problem on to other places. See, had these apostles wanted to stay where God had not ordained, there would have been other problems. Look with me here; have we not more Paulean epistles to visit. I do not know about you; but I am loving this guy's sense of humor in the Lord. Hang on for a moment. God is going somewhere with this. They were recommended to sail from Antioch; sailing thence they return. Not only that but so the workmen were found faithful in their work. The text says they fulfilled the work that the grace of God had called them unto. See, some are ever fond of saying he never gives you more than you can handle. Clearly if you say thus, you have not yet met Paul. But at the same time, God gave them grace to handle it. The calling was over and beyond their natural ability. For so it was the supernatural calling of God and beset with his grace. Rather, I used to think that death was something to be feared. But a wise person told me, 'God will give you the dying grace when it is time.' Maybe we just need some living, some abiding, and some calling grace in our lives. If you are having some troubles and some callings in this life, see this with me. I just want to recommend you "to the grace of God."

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.

So, they are home again. I imagine they went from one old face to another to call them all together. See, the people came from every end of the city to hear what the Lord had done. Look at this grace found here in the calling. See now what God has done. I bet I could stand and call from here to all of eternity. Then would the saints of all the ages come, some young, some old. Some have been dwelling in other places. Some have been dwelling in the grace with which God planted them. Some of you just need to stop fighting with everybody. Some of you need to stop your working, your striving, and your hiding. Come together now to hear what God has done. I imagine at this time rehearsals of what God had done was not necessary. We know if given the opportunity he would also do such again. Some of us need some faith and some hearing of him. This is how God had done the Jewish church there and the Gentiles likewise. Now are all in the house listening to the Word of purpose and power. The house is full; for so is it running over. The apostles are free to abide awhile with the disciples. Here we see what had been to them an away from home in the Lord. You know how you do. If it is not home, you have but one more favorite place to go. God is so wonderful here to allow them to rest where they wish before traveling on once more.