Who’s Got My Back? Somebody Cover Me! Series

Sermon – Who’s Got My Back? Somebody Cover me!

Text: Acts 14:19-24 “Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. 21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia,”

Introduction: I want to begin by reading a short Facebook post.… “It has dawned on me that I have quite a few fb friends and family that are in the ministry. My husband is even a Pastor. People don't understand the weight that is placed on these men and women's shoulders. After praying with you for your breakthrough, visiting the sick, delivering the word, counseling a couple that is about to be wed or on the brink of divorce, baptizing folk, visiting the prisons, and dealing with members that are about to lose it all, they still have to have a smile on their face and a pep in their step. Well guess what, they are human too and have their own homes to run, jobs to work, and relationships to mend/maintain. Pray for our Clergy EVERYWHERE!!!”

After reading the post, I thought, that’s someone who seem to get it! Every leaders wonders, “Who’s got my back?” Is anyone in my corner? It is almost impossible to understand how God could use one man like Apostle Paul to such a great level. The miles he traveled, the hostile environments, his body was frail, his eyes were weak, and his speaking gift was limited. Yet, it is almost impossible to discuss the function of the Christian Church without mentioning Paul’s contribution. Not only did Paul give us glimpses of the influence of the church in his personal ministry, but he also gave us instructions on how the faith community was to operate. Paul’s teachings are so thorough and beneficial that at times his personal life and sacrifice can be somewhat overlooked. Then again Paul’s life shines so brightly, that often his partners in ministry are often overlooked. There is a long list of ministry partners that played a vital role in the success of Paul’s ministry.

The writer of Acts, Dr. Luke writes this text like a modern-day headline, he mentions enough names to keep the readers interested. Luke mentions Barnabas, young Timothy and a few more companions of Paul who witnessed this powerful ordeal. There may be only one or two names mentioned in the headline, yet others help complete the story. Every superstar needs a supporting cast. Moses needed Joshua, and they both needed Aaron and Hur who held up their arms in ministry. We brag about Moses on the mountain with rod of God and Joshua leading the charge on the field of battle, but seldom talked the work of Aaron and Hur who made valuable contributions to the ministry. Without the support cast, the battle would have prolonged and possibly lost. Never underestimate the value of your supporting role. Leadership is a lonely road at best, it is better when you know who’s got your back!

Our lesson today tells a moving, action-packed story from the life and ministry of Paul and the dangers he encountered at Antioch and Iconium. Paul and his team experienced great success as God working with them confirming their message with many signs and wonders. As the multitudes witnessed the miracles wrought through them, many were convinced that Paul and his team were gods walking among them. Many people in Antioch and Iconium were converted and added to their company. At one point, their ministry success was so great the multitude assumed they were the gods Jupiter and Mercury walking among them. Paul and Barnabas had to restrain the people from worshiping them by refusing to receive their worship and sacrifices. Satan tried to sidetrack these servants of God through vain worship and the praise of men. Anyone doing the work of God should expect opposition from Satan. Two of his favorite tools seem to be flattery and persecution.

When flattery failed, Satan intensified the persecution. Many leading Jews in Antioch and Iconium became angry and jealous because of the influence of Paul and his team. These Jews became arch enemies of Paul and his gospel message. They decided to incite the crowd into violence. They convinced the crowd that Paul and Barnabas were great deceivers, who had just made fools of them all. Although Paul and his companions were forced to leave the area, these enraged Jews followed them, traveling more a hundred miles on foot, over rugged terrain for a chance to stone Paul.