Acts chapter 15 verses 30-32 (NIV)
So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.
John chapter 4 verses 6 – 7 (NIV)
Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The new believers took encouragement from the advice of the church leaders in Jerusalem. As messengers, Judas and Silas also took time to teach and further encourage the new church. They had put themselves out by travelling to Antioch, but it was worth it. Their presence made all the difference to this young church.
Sometimes we need to make an effort to encourage and instruct others who are seeking to know God, or to continue on in their faith journey. Sometimes we might not feel like doing so, especially if we’re tired or we have a lot going on in our own lives. But a word of encouragement can make all the difference. In the Gospel of John we read that Jesus went out of His way to keep a divine appointment. When He arrived at that Samaritan village He was tired and thirsty, and hungry too, for we are told that His disciples had gone into the village to buy food. So He could have been forgiven, in our eyes, for not wanting to engage with a Samaritan woman who had a dubious lifestyle. But their conversation not only changed her live, but as a result, many others in the village too. So it’s worth making that effort and being obedient to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. Doing so may make a huge impact on somebody else’s life.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the obedience of Judas and Silas, and for the impact they made to the young church in Antioch. Help me to follow their example. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.