Growing Matters
Acts 12:24-25
But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
My, it reminds me of the times of spoken of in Daniel 8:12; then the things from the book of truth fell to the ground, practiced, and prospered. Now, I know that some of you are saying, 'those are of the days to come; whatever are they doing in the days gone past.' My friends, it is nothing less than the living Word of God. This is a powerful book, not just a mere collection of words and tales. For therein is life and it is truth. Some of you know this; you sing about these words in church on Sundays. Is it not interesting to see that Barnabas and Saul were sent to the leaders of Judea. How have they ended up in Jerusalem again. See, you cannot visit the region without seeing the whole thing. The church has spread and grown, as in Luke 13:18-19, from the seed of a great tree tossed out in the master's garden. Now, I want to know just what these apostles are doing in Jerusalem. But my friends, it is nothing less than the work of God. See, from the book of truth came forth his work. It is also living; in it is power. This is because of the multiplying power of God.
Their ministry was not completed until it included all in the house. This is why you must be so sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. If not, you would be tempted to miss this move of God. If you will remember from history, an antichrist also stood in the temple of this time. No matter how many times God must come back to something, all his work will stand. Therein will all be completed until the fullness of time. For indeed it is even his time. He alone changes the times and seasons of ministry as in Daniel 2:21. God is reigning and ruling in all this confusion, destruction, and persecution. Nor in the silence, is he inactive. He has chosen a messenger for a special purpose from among them. Now, John Mark is found to go with the rest of the ministry team. Soon he also will be chosen to go beyond the four walls of the church building. He will go further than wandering behind Jesus, writing. There might be a lot of Johns and Marks spoken of here but how many know that God sent them all for the growth of his church.