Evidence of God's Grace

tiny graces...
Originally uploaded by ms.lume

When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith …(Acts 11:23,24a)

Stephen had been stoned to death and the young church was on the run. They scattered to Phoenicia, Cypress and Antioch. And in Antioch, in particular, believers began telling the Greeks about the good news of Jesus Christ. The news spread to the believers in Jerusalem and they sent their ambassador, Barnabas, to them. Barnabas was a man of faith and full of the Holy Spirit. He encouraged the church in their faithfulness in sharing the good news of the gospel to the Greeks. Many were being saved daily.

What strikes me is the way the Scriptures describe what Barnabas saw when he arrived. He saw the evidence of the grace of God.

So, what is that specifically? Well, for one, the gospel was being boldly preached to gentiles in a new land. They were believing the gospel message and were being saved. Out of hardship – being scattered in connection with the persecution of Stephen – the church was growing and thriving.

Grace. The new church was exercising love, kindness, and mercy to serve one another. The Greeks were accepting the gospel, they were finding favor with God. And Barnabas, too, was sharing God’s grace with the new church by encouraging them to remain true to their faith. In this way, Barnabas dignified the church and honored God.

Is there evidence of God’s grace in your life?

Lord, may we find ourselves true to you in every way. May our actions be faithful, and our words be seasoned with salt, sharing with others your light and love. Amen.