Acts 11.22,23 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
When the grace of God is manifested in a person’s life or a church, it is visible. That display of the grace of God working in them and through them is the most powerful statement of faith on planet earth. It is the fruit, or evidence of the new birth. This is what Barnabas saw when he went to Antioch. Whatever it was that he saw is not specified, but it was a cause of gladness to him. Oh, the gladness that fills the soul at the sight of demonstrations of the grace of God. Barnabas knew that the source of this fruit of grace was their cleaving unto The Lord with purpose of hearts.
In a day and age when the church is being flooded with a plethora of “how to’s”, may we look afresh to God’s Word and return to that first love of cleaving to Jesus Christ for Who He is and for all that He has done. Rather than being put into theological or methodology straightjackets that leave your head spinning and your soul empty. Draw near to Jesus this morning, beloved, in both child-like and bride-like faith. Pour out your heart to Him with adoration and thanksgiving. Read His Word, that is active and living, and then live out that word as an act of worship. Cleave to Jesus today, just like when you first believed. Remember the sheer joy of reading His Word? Sharing His gospel? Do not allow your maturity in Christ subdue that child-like excitement, beloved.
Purpose in your heart today to cleave to Jesus. Whatever the day may bring, cling to Him. Virtue and power still flows from the hem of His garment. Purpose to be an “advertisement” of the grace of God. You will be sure to gladden others who see it and are touched by it, and in doing so, you will bring God the glory that He deserves.
