7/2/13- The Church's Hands On Approach

1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:1-3)

Thoughts: Paul had a home base in the Church in Antioch (Syria).  The church believed that God the Holy Spirit was calling Barnabas and Saul for a special work- missionary work.  They ordained (set apart) them to this call by the laying on of hands.  It is a similar rite as the ordaining of a priest in the Old Testament, or the ordaining of a king (like Saul or David) by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.  We do not need to downplay the role of human touch.  Study after study have shown that human touch is important to convey love and care.  Several studies show that the withdrawal of touch leads to ill health or even death.  So the church gathers and lays hands on these who are called to be "sent-out-ones" (apostles) to the Gentiles.  Missionaries need the love, the touch, and the prayers of a home church.  Email, facebook, instagram, etc. are tools for the missionary, but they cannot replace a worshipping community that gathers, prays, and sends out with an ordaining touch.  

Prayer: Today, Lord we pray for missionaries who seem far out of touch, but yet are never far from you.  Use those who have given themselves for you, O Lord.