Today's readings are 1 Samuel 2.18-36 and Acts 15.22-41.
In today's reading we see the early believers purposefully spreading the Gospel. The leaders of the Christian community gather to articulate some of the essential messages they consider most critical that people hear, they appoint some to go with that message, and the appointed messengers carry the words of life to people who have not heard before, as well as clarification, edification, and exhortation to those who have previously heard. In unity and even after a time of dissension, the Gospel is carried to and fro by these messengers, not only Paul, Barnabas, Mark, and Silas, but many other believers.
Do we sometimes forget the purpose of the Church - to nourish and strengthen believers? Let us not become too concerned with this world's estimation of what makes a successful church. Let us rather be concerned with God's Word. A steadfast focus on Word and Sacraments will serve to nurture believers in their faith. And we can trust that the faithful proclamation of God's Word will accomplish salvation in all he would draw to himself. He accomplishes his purposes.
May we walk today trusting the ability of this great, mighty, supernatural God.
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