In the life of Christian community, one of its most powerful aspects is the act of blessing and

sending. Acts 13:3 gives us a glimpse of this profound moment: So after they had fasted and

prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

This simple verse carries immense weight. It's not just about Barnabas and Saul leaving for their

missionary journey; it's about the entire church standing behind them, blessing them, and

formally commissioning them for the work ahead. This act of laying on hands wasn't merely

symbolic—it was a tangible expression of support, unity, and spiritual empowerment.

As we reflect on this passage, several important lessons emerge:

1. Community Affirmation: By laying hands on Barnabas and Saul, the church affirmed God's

call on their lives. This public acknowledgment validated their mission and gave them

confidence in their calling. In our churches today, we should seek ways to affirm and validate the

callings of those among us.

2. Spiritual Empowerment: The laying on of hands was often associated with the impartation of

spiritual gifts or authority. This act signified that Barnabas and Saul were not going out in their

own strength, but with the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, recognized by the church.

3. Communal Support: This sending off wasn't a "goodbye and good luck" moment. It was a

commitment from the church to support Barnabas and Saul in their mission. Today, when we

send people out—whether as missionaries, to start new ministries, or even to new jobs—our

blessing should come with a promise of ongoing support.

4. Shared Mission: By blessing and sending Barnabas and Saul, the church at Antioch became

active participants in their mission. They might not have physically gone, but they were

spiritually invested in the work. This reminds us that supporting others in their callings is a vital

part of our own Christian service.

5. God's Authority: While the church laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, it';s crucial to remember

that the initial call came from the Holy Spirit. The church's role was to recognize, affirm, and

support this divine calling, not to originate it.

In our modern context, we can sometimes lose sight of the power of blessing and sending.

Whether it's missionaries heading overseas, a church member starting a new ministry, or even a

student heading off to college, there's immense value in gathering as a community to bless and

send.

Remember, no one is meant to serve God in isolation. We are part of a body, and when one part

is sent out, the whole body should be involved in blessing, supporting, and empowering that

mission.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)