Amazing Grace #4

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (Acts 11)

The account above took place in the city of Antioch.  Because of persecution in Jerusalem, like that which got Stephen killed - remember we talked about him yesterday as one full of grace - when he was martyred and other Christians persecuted, believers started scattering all over the region. Some came to Antioch and told others about Christ, and a lot of people believed their report and trusted in Christ as Savior and Lord.  When the church back in Jerusalem heard about this they sent Barnabas.  He was one of those we talked about two days ago in Acts 4, where the Great Grace of God was evidenced, when the believers boldly shared their faith and also shared their possessions with fellow believers in need. Barnabas was the stand out example of God's grace in giving. So they send him to Antioch to check out this report, and I love what it says: "When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad." Grace is one of those things like peace, joy, hope and love that are somewhat abstract, yet they can be seen. We can see when God is doing things in and through those who trust and obey Christ, because they are doing things beyond their own ability and resources, and when God's grace is flowing, people notice, they believe, and God begins to work in their lives. May God's grace be seen in us today.