Reading Plan:  

Acts 13 

Set Apart 

Author: Anna Belk 

Acts 13:2 says, 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.” Before Barnabas and Saul's encounter with something completely wild and wicked, the Lord picks out and identifies them as instrumental to the expansion of the kingdom. In fact, as we specifically follow Saul through the pages of scripture, we learn of his God-ordained name change, Paul. Saul was a Christian persecutor no more, but now a vessel named Paul through which the gospel impacted human lives. That’s all great, but not going to lie, sometimes it’s a lot easier to feel set aside rather than set apart. Those who have turned their backs on their earthly shackles and traded them for heavenly treasures are often the same ones who feel like Satan has branded a target on their backs.  

Maybe this isn’t for everyone. However, I imagine to a degree we can all relate to the feeling. Relationships you never thought would end do, diagnoses and loss remind us of our earthly mortality, natural disasters turn our lives upside down, cars break down, coworkers land in financial insecurity due to pay cuts, violent acts shake us to our core, unkind words emotionally scar, and the list goes on. It is in those very vulnerable moments that our mindset begins to shift from "set apart" to "set aside." I’m a counselor and still must put that very toxic thought on trial. Listen to this. I read something recently that stopped me in my tracks, so credit to whoever first said, “You better walk into that room like God himself sent you in there.” If you are still on this earth, you have a mission. If you are breathing, you have a calling. If you have skin on your body and toes on your feet (or not), then God created you in His image to reflect His presence. No matter your background, God once knit your DNA together in your mother’s womb for a purpose. That purpose is not to be set aside. It is to be set apart. Walk into every room, every place, and every conversation knowing the gospel-driven truth that sent you. 

Reflection: 

• What purpose does God give every believer? How are you fulfilling that purpose in your life? What steps do you need to take to live out the calling of Christ?
• Look for a verse that reminds you of your calling as a believer. Memorize that verse this week. 

Family Application: Even in the hard times, we can have joy! 

Author: Cooper Herrington 

• In our reading today, we join in an epic journey. Paul and Barnabas are on a mission to tell the world about Jesus. Jesus was the Savior that God promised, and God's people had been waiting on Him for years. Paul and Barnabas are on a journey that would have many adventures. What we read today is Paul telling the people that the Bible is one big story all about Jesus. Paul starts the story in the Old Testament and makes it to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  
• Paul and Barnabas told everyone that would listen about Jesus. So many people believed in Jesus, and the church grew and grew. Even though these amazing things were happening, some people did not like it. Have you ever done something good and other people got upset? How did that make you feel?  
• Even though Paul and Barnabas had people not like what they were doing, they still did what they knew was right which was telling the world about Jesus. The last verse tells us that the disciples were filled with joy as they went. Even when we face something hard, we can have joy because we have God with us. What is something you are excited about? Take time as a family to do something fun tonight.  
• Prayer: God, You are God alone. God, thank You for always being with me even when things are really hard. God, help me have joy today and enjoy all that You have made. Amen.