Wonder and the Extra-Ordinary
Today’s Reading: Acts 18
December 1, marks the beginning of the Season of Advent, the anticipation of the coming of Christ. This has been a very cherished and waited season for my children and my wife and I. It is a season of wonder and excitement and dreams.
This past week, I have been reading several devotions and bible studies that highlight the notion of wonder and expectations. Sun Stand Still, gives several amazing and powerful devotions in where situations that seems ordinary, actually are a setup for God to do something extra-ordinary. This season brings to thought of how the ordinary items and people can change the mindset and hearts of many: cattle trough, stable, baby, swaddling(burying) cloths, a birth scene, and shepherds. God also uses our situations and circumstances to perform miracles in the midst of dire situations. In the reading, we can see how unexpected and unprepared situations can be used to grow some of the most profound founders of the early church .
In Acts Chapter 18, Paul is on his missionary journey and has traveled from Athens to Corinth. In Corinth, he meets an exiled couple from Rome, Priscilla and Aquila. The three of them found a common trade, tent-making and go into business together. While in Corinth, Paul forms a church for both Jews and Gentiles.
Acts 18: 1-4
After this Paul[a] left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them,3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
After eighteen months, Paul and the couple sailed to Syria and then to Ephesus. In Ephesus, the couple helped to establish the church and minister to the people.
Acts 18 :18-19
After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers[c]and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 18:24-26
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit,[d] he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
This trio of saints is an exhibit of how God can utilize and assist us in seeing the wonder and extra-ordinary gifts and scenarios for those who are about his will. God has taken an ordinary introduction and trade, tent-making, into a profound group of church builders. The ordinary has become extra-ordinary, the situation of the two set of people, both being exiled because of their belief in God. Both are looking for sanctuary and find a common belief and friendship and relationship in each other. This friendship doesn’t stop when the climate dictates that they must flee again, this friendship persist until they are called to a greater cause: Paul to Greece and Macedonia and Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to minister and mentor Apollos.
As we continue in this season of Wonder and Extra-ordinary can we allow ourselves to:
- Open our minds and spirits to the possibility of God doing extra-ordinary things in our ordinary day?
- Is there a potential relationship that you have not created yet that will produce greater results to show God’s love and awesomeness in wonder?
- Are we willing to accept the unknown that God has presented us with and allow him to lead us in ways and place that we have not imagined?
- Where has God welcomed us to be bold and courageous in his Word?
Father,
Thank you for the Wonder and performing miracles in the ordinary situations. Allow us to be aware and open to the way you speak to us. Allow us to expect the unexpected and listen for the extra in the ordinary. Amen