Reading for today
Old Testament: 1 Kings 19, 20, 21
New Testament: Acts 15
Thoughts from today’s reading
1 Kings 19:19-21. God spoke to Elijah and told him to go and anoint Elisha as prophet to replace him. When Elijah threw his mantle on Elisha, he never said a word to him, but Elisha knew it meant that he should follow Elijah. God must have spoken to Elisha personally letting him know he would be a prophet, so Elijah’s visit to him was then a confirmation.
Acts 15:36-41. We see a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas after many years of working together in the ministry. Being in a position of ministry like the office of an apostle does not immunize us against practicing what the word of God teaches about living at peace with one another and dealing with conflict. Even though Paul rejected working with Mark at this time, in a later part of his ministry we see he had made peace and he sent for Mark as revealed in the letter to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:11, and also told the church at Colossus to receive him in Colossians 4:10.
Prayer
1. Lord you speak to us and confirm it by the witness of your word which you reveal to us in the scriptures and also in the mouth of other believers. May we be quick to respond when we hear our confirmation and trust you to bring us into a new season of life.
2. Heavenly Father, you called us to peace with one another, may we be quick to discern when contentions and conflict come in to separate us from relationships that you have ordained. May we respond according to your word to live at peace with all men. Give us wisdom to confront matters and settle issues in a way that glorifies God and edifies all involved.