June 5

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.” — Acts 13:2 BSB

A church that's alive is always a missionary church. It doesn't want to keep the gospel to itself but wants others to experience it too. The church at Antioch was prosperous and showed its love for Christ by sending money to Christians in Palestine during a famine and by sending out missionaries. Barnabas and Saul were chosen for this mission. The Spirit selected them, and the church sent them out.

There's also a sad story here about a young missionary named John Mark, who initially helped but abandoned the mission when it became too difficult. We should never give up on work we start for Christ. When it becomes challenging, we should rejoice.