Daily Devotions with Chaplain Kenny for Saturday, March 16, 2024: Heeding the Macedonian Call

 

The Daily Devotional
Saturday, March 16, 2024

Heeding the Macedonian Call

Come over to Macedonia and help us.
Acts 16:9

Introduction

In the heart of Acts 16:9, we find a pivotal moment in the early Church's history: “During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'” This passage not only spurred the Apostle Paul to action but also resonates through centuries, inspiring the formation of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. This devotional invites us to reflect on the call to serve and spread the Gospel, following in the footsteps of early Christian missionaries.

Reflection

Paul's vision in Troas was more than a mere dream; it was a divine directive that shaped the course of Christian mission. The Macedonian call was a clear and urgent plea for help, a beckoning to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to new frontiers. Similarly, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, established in 1701 by the Church of England, was a response to a perceived call for spiritual assistance across the globe, inspiring followers of Jesus to spread His teachings of love and forgiveness to a world greatly in need of them. Their motto, “transiens adiuva nos,” mirrors the Macedonian plea, highlighting a timeless Christian duty: to respond to the world's spiritual needs.

Application

The Macedonian call challenges us not only to be attentive to God's direction but also to act upon it. While we may not all travel to distant lands, we are all called to participate in the mission field in our own unique ways. Supporting missionary work through prayer and resources, engaging in local community service, or simply sharing the Gospel with a neighbor are all responses to this timeless call. We must ask ourselves: how can we, in our current context, be ambassadors of Christ's love and message?

Conclusion

Even if we are not all called to venture overseas, we each have a vital role in supporting those who do through prayer and financial aid. Moreover, the opportunity to share Jesus' message is always within our reach, be it with someone close by or within our broader community. Inspired by Acts 16:9 and the enduring legacy of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, we are reminded that God's call to service transcends both time and text, inviting us all to be active participants in the unfolding story of faith. Let us embrace this call with enthusiasm and courage, seeking the strength and opportunities God provides to offer the invaluable gift of forgiveness in Jesus' name to those around us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, just as You called Paul to Macedonia, You call each of us to serve in Your kingdom. Open our hearts and minds to recognize our own Macedonian calls. Grant us the wisdom to understand how best to serve You and the courage to act upon Your call. May our efforts, whether near or far, contribute to the spreading of Your love and Gospel. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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