Looking Ahead

Acts 16:39-40

And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 tells what having the sight of God can do. It is wonderful to be so commended unto the grace of God. Here the apostles both know and are filled with such. For so must they have been sorely in need of it. The text uses the word bestowed to describe this gifting. Indeed, this grace was given to "the church of Macedonia." See how results are later produced in the form of a life well-lived in the sight of God. Yet the first-borne are not jealous of the second or those coming later. Here Paul tells how the Macedonians and apostles alike went through deep trials and poverty. How many of you have also been in some deep places. So, these are called afflictions due to the burden laid upon those going through such. But how many know that the deep places produce several things: namely joy, abundance, richness, and liberality.

Contrast with the trial of the older son, the prodigal, and the pigpen mentioned in Luke 15:11-32. Such a condition brought power to which Paul himself was a witness. Beyond this, the apostles were willing but unable to leave of their own accord. How many of you know that you cannot, God can. Sometimes all he needs is a willing vessel. Some of you really ought to spend less time mourning and more time in his presence saying, 'fill me, God.' So how could the apostles be given a gift at a time like this. Much less for them to pray earnestly that their suffering and trial might not go to waste. We see the church also minister to the apostles just as these had to so many others before. You cannot take upon you what God has not designed to be borne. Indeed, you might not want to hear this. But what he has assigned is for you. None will take it from you be it the trial, the power, or the gift. Here is fellowship and ministry to be found therein.

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Now the situation has turned to them for a blessing. Paul here teaches beyond encouragement. It is wonderful to know that Jesus saves when you are going through something. Far better to hear how he has made your paths straight and healed those lame things of your life. See how the situation has turned from one of want and lack into one of plenty. For now, it simply brings a blessing. Indeed, only God can bring about the shift. I just want to focus on how Paul never lost sight of his kingdom perspective. He has always been concerned about the church. So, Lydia's house matters not as much as seeing the brethren. Although I am sure the former was nice. You might wonder if God will ever work out the former for the apostle's good and his glory. In all their stories no matter where they wandered, we see the hand of God at work. Notice with me the outrageous teaching of Paul. He has been through the test and the fire. Yet here God has brought him into a large place like Lydia's. I know it must have been a wrench for Paul to come home only to leave it again. Even so, God allows him a little time to collect himself and comfort the church. Imagine how shaken they must have been from the new trial. But now you mean to tell me he is off again because he saw the brethren. Just as sowing and reaping are related, so are the giving and the living. When you give the more, God will make up for your lack. Note Paul was not commanded to go. Nor am I advocating such reckless, crazy faith. Whether sparing or bountiful, it is God who gives the increase. To some it may sound silly to have nothing yet still give everything away. But whether you are there from choice or necessity, God is still faithful. There is grace to be found in every lack. So, it is God who disperses abroad; he even gives it to the poor. Yet still his righteousness remains to you a blessing. Because of his character, he will see you and all those left through.