Can you relate?
A Jewish man by the name of Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria and was recognized as an educated and cultured man. He was powerful in the Scriptures. Acts 18:24
I’ve always been a laborer my whole life where I worked in serving others and working with my hands. I didn’t go to college. Oh, I had some continuing education along the way when I spent time in management, but as far as formal education is concerned, I have been very limited. Even in the scriptures, I grew up in a Pastor’s home, so faith and God’s Word were the #1 priority. However, the only instruction and guidance since then has been through books, videos and the voice of the Holy Spirit in my heart. This reality could be a restricting and suppressing fact when it comes to encouraging and ministering to others. Because I write now, I sometimes find myself ruminating on my lack of education and consider that I am not qualified to write at all. I know it isn’t true, but it has been a barrier in the past that I have had to break through more than once. I am always amazed at God’s goodness when I find myself in situations where I get to pray with and encourage others. My experiences, although many were through bad choices on my part, have afforded me the wisdom to press into God in this season and to follow the leading of His Spirit no matter what. That is where I find my peace and also where I know that no matter how limited my education is, He will qualify me for every good work and ministry He has planned for me and called me to.
In today’s reading, we meet Apollos. He was an educated man and full of culture. He was also trained in knowing scripture that made him a very charismatic and convincing teacher. However, when Aquilla and Priscilla met him, that took him aside and taught him about being filled with the Holy Spirit. As educated and intelligent as Apollos was, he still could learn more and from those who were seemingly less educated than he was. Apollos was very wise though because he humbled himself to learn from people who were not as indoctrinated as he was. He didn’t let the pride of his schooling and training stop him from learning from those who better knew the way. Even if they were laborers by trade.
Likewise, Aquilla and Pricilla where very gracious and loving as they pulled Apollos aside to teach him the part of the salvation message that he was missing out on. They didn’t let his superior training intimidate them and they didn’t let their position as tentmakers limit them from sharing the way with Apollos or anyone else for that matter. They also didn’t call Apollos out in a public place to humiliate or embarrass him in the lack of understanding that he had in that area. They used their position and location as a tool to reach others no matter what their status was in life. They understood that God’s love and His salvation is the equaling ground and that all need to know no matter their education or lack of it.
Chances are you can relate to someone in this passage. Is it to the sophistication and refinement of Apollos? Or do you relate to the simple and humble state of Aquilla and Priscilla. Either way you can learn from others and on either side you can help and encourage those around you. The key is in humility and grace. God’s grace is the empowerment you need for the call He has given you. The world’s education or even extended Christian training are not the qualifications needed to help others. It is simply by following the call of God on your life. Then He will empower you with His grace to reach the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor. Don’t let what you know today limit you from reaching those He has brought into your life for the very reason of showing them the way to salvation.
Today I want to encourage you to consider who you relate to in this passage. The educated and cultured Apollos or the hard-working tentmakers, Aquilla and Priscilla. Either way, humble yourself to be open to the voices that God has brought your way to speak life into your ministry and purpose. Don’t let the voice of intimidation and discouragement keep you from the prompts of the Holy Spirit to love others. Step into all God has called you to no matter what your background is. Chances are He is going to use your past as a doorway to reach others throughout the rest of your life. Start today to speak words of life and encouragement to all He brings your way.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 18:24-28
24 A Jewish man by the name of Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria and was recognized as an educated and cultured man. He was powerful in the Scriptures,
25 had accepted Jesus, and had been taught about the Lord. He was spiritually passionate for Jesus and a convincing teacher, although he only knew about the baptism of John.
26 He fearlessly preached in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos’ teachings, they met with him privately and revealed to him the ways of God more completely.
27 Then Apollos, with the encouragement of the believers, went to the province of Achaia. He took a letter of recommendation from the brothers of Ephesus so his ministry would be welcomed in the region. He was a tremendous help to the believers and caused them to increase in grace.
28 Apollos boldly and publicly confronted the Jews, vigorously debating them, proving undeniably from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
The Daily Dose 