Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them… During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, May 13, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
We know from the New Testament that Paul and his companions visited more countries and communities than would seem possible. But we don’t often consider how many communities they did not visit. And for good reason. The Holy Spirit forbade them to speak in Asia. The Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to travel to Bithynia. But Paul received a vision telling him to go to Macedonia.
I used to envision Paul blowing through the countries like a hurricane. But today’s text suggests there were more nuances and more thought put into his journeys that that. And it wasn’t just thought Paul put into it—he was led by the Holy Spirit through roadblocks, obstacles, and visions.
We are often driven by the Holy Spirit, even though we might not recognize it as such. Many years ago I interviewed for a job I really wanted. The process was lengthy, and although they seemed quite interested, they dragged their feet and put off an offer. Finally, they offered me the job—the day after I accepted a job elsewhere. At the time I was pretty upset—it was a job I really wanted. Two years later, that same organization had a major internal fight and the organization split in two. It was costly and ugly, and had I been offered the job, I would have been smack dab in the middle of it. I see now that the Holy Spirit had put up a roadblock that prevented me from waiting it out and taking that job. Today I am grateful for the experience, especially since the job I took turned out to be a blessing to me and my family. Reflect on what obstacles or visions you’ve experienced that you may now see as the work of the Holy Spirit.
