In Essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, but in all things Charity

Scripture:  Acts 16:39-40:  “And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other.  Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grade of the Lord.”

Observations:  In Leviticus, today was more about sacrificing.  Then we had the consecration of Aaron and his sons. Then Aaron offered sacrifices.  I find it interesting how they were able to memorize all that God told them to do, because it was very detailed.  After Aaron offered the sacrifice and lifted his hands and blessed the people, the Lord’s glory appeared to all the people and they fell on their faces.  I’m sure I would have also.

Application:  I found this Scripture interesting because it seems like several places in Acts, God allows disputes, or hardships to get the people to spread out.  If there had not been this disagreement, all of them may have stayed together and not as many people would have been reached.  This is going to be a strange sounding comment, but I have thought about down through the ages, how God has seemed to allow church disagreements and splits to purify the people.  It seems whenever a denomination would get to a point of heretical teaching, there would be a split, and the smaller portion of the split usually seemed to draw closer than ever to God.  I think that is still happening today.

Prayer:  Lord God, keep us from disputes. Protect our churches from unrest.  Lord, plant it upon our hearts to do the right things so there is no need of a strained separation.  So often Lord, it is because someone wants their own way…they want to be their own god…  Do not let that happen to us Lord.  Keep us pure so you are the focus of our devotion.  Amen

Tomorrow’s Reading:  Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16