DCLM Daily Manna 2023: DCLM Daily Manna 7 May 2024: The Radiant Life
KEY VERSE: Acts 11:26 “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
TEXT: Acts 11:19-26 (KJV)
Meanwhile those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Stephen had traveled as far away as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, without delivering the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] to anyone except Jews.
20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on returning to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, proclaiming [to them] the good news (the Gospel) about the Lord Jesus.
21 And the presence of the Lord was with them with power, so that a great number [learned] to believe (to adhere to and trust in and rely on the Lord) and turned and surrendered themselves to Him.
22 The rumors of this came to the ears of the church (assembly) in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 When he arrived and saw what grace (favor) God was bestowing upon them, he was full of joy; and he continuously exhorted (warned, urged, and encouraged) them all to cleave unto and remain faithful to and devoted to the Lord with [resolute and steady] purpose of heart.
24 For he was a good man [good in himself and also at once for the good and the advantage of other people], full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit and full of faith (of his [c]belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation). And a large company was added to the Lord.
25 [Barnabas] went on to Tarsus to hunt for Saul.
26 And when he had found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For a whole year they assembled together with and were guests of the church and instructed a large number of people; and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
It is easy for some persons passing through a crisis to lose perspective and identity. They are thrown off balance in the process, readily compromising and abandoning cherished faith, beliefs and character. They seek community approval and short-term answers or solutions to the challenges confronting them. But, often, this approach is futile as it does not go to the root of the matter.
This was not the same with the Early Church, which did not lose focus despite the killing of Stephen and the persecution that followed. Rather than getting depressed or allowing the situation to discourage them, they donned the garment of the radiant spirit. Being outlawed and harassed in Jerusalem did not stop them from evangelising. They travelled to distant lands to preach Christ, which led to a great revival in Antioch.
The glittering and shining conduct of the brethren in the Antioch church made the people address them, for the first time, as “Christians”. Those around them watched them live exactly like the Saviour. They were meek and remained unperturbed by their hostile environment. There was no retaliation for wrongs done to them. They displayed love among themselves, renounced worldly attractions and had a quiet disposition that showed that they were not of this world. They were heavenly-minded, waiting for the promised return of their Lord.
Moments of trials and temptations ought to bring out the stars in us. Indeed, our comportment should preach Jesus to our neighbours. Wherever we find ourselves, dreary conditions of the environment should not drag us into helplessness. As we stand firm and true to God, He will visit us and through us draw other people to Himself.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY: For the true Christian, crisis provides a chance to show Christ’s lifestyle in us.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 21-22
Thank you for studying today’s Daily Manna – The Radiant Life – by Pastor W.F Kumuyi
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Daily Manna 7 May 2024
