Is there someone in your life that has mentored you spiritually? Or, maybe you have been a mentor to someone? Whether you have been in the role of a mentor or a mentee, it’s of great importance. I think of all the folks in my life that God has used to mentor me in the things of the Lord, and is still doing so. Forever, I am grateful to them.
Paul is on his way to Derbe and then to Lystra, “Where a disciple named Timothy lived.” (Acts 16: 1) The brothers of that city spoke very highly of him. His servant’s heart prompted Paul to take him along on his journey and mentor him. At that time, Timothy had a believing, Godly mother and his father was Greek. As they traveled along, many churches were strengthened in their faith and grew daily in numbers.
- If you feel a call into ministry, find a mentor, someone you can shadow and serve. You’ll learn a great deal.
Many great leaders today, began as a mentee who are now mentors themselves. The best way to learn is to serve and do an internship, in any vocation in life.
During their travels, “Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16: 9) That was pretty clear!
- God gives directions through dreams.
Some theologians have suggested this man was Luke since he does join the group at this point.
Paul and his companions go to Macedonia and stay there for several days. Looking for a place of prayer, on the Sabbath, a synagogue couldn’t be found since there were few Jews in this city. As they sat down there they met some women who had gathered there. One of these women, Lydia, a businesswoman, brought her family members there, heard Paul’s message, and were baptized. She then invited them to come to her house to stay.
- Showing hospitality is a great gift. (Taken from Acts 16: 1-15, Paraphrased)
Job is still listening to his friends. I wonder how long his suffering actually was? The Bible doesn’t seem to tell us, but it seemed like an eternity for him, and for this reader!
Elihu, who seems to be overly impressed with his own wisdom, does consider himself to be a messenger. He begins, “Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.” (Job 34: 2-4) This last statement shows some humility in this friend. Maybe, he was calling them all into being accountable. (Taken from Job 34, Paraphrased)
Calling Into An Account is what the angel of the Lord is doing now as He speaks to the Israelites, saying, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I swore to give to your forefathers. Israel I will never break covenant with you.” (Judges 2: 1-2)
- Our God is a covenant-keeping God.
He continues, asking this, “You have disobeyed me. Why have you done this? (Judges 2: 2)
Every parent has asked this question to their child, maybe more than once. When I read the Lord asking this question, I could feel the impact in what He was saying. So did the Israelites when God asked it, “The people wept aloud.” (Judges 2: 4)
Disobedience and defeat followed the Israelites after Joshua died and a “Whole generation had been gathered to their father, another generation grew up, who neither knew the Lord nor what He had done for Israel.” (Judges 2: 10)
Evil arose and “Whenever they went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them. Then the Lord raised up Judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders.” (Judges 2: 15-16)
Just like us, Israel quickly forgot the acts of God in establishing her. She lost sight of her unique identity, as chosen, called to be His army and loyal citizens of his emerging kingdom. Instead, she settled down and attached herself to idols, pagan gods, and immoral practices in social life.
If God puts a Godly mentor in your life, follow them closely and glean from them. In doing so, your identity will be established and you will be grounded in your faith, and in the faithfulness of our God. Our identity is in Him and Him alone.
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
You can find all of the Unbroken Love series posts by clicking the button below.
