The early church truly was a multi-cultural representation of the Mediterranean world.  Look at the names:

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

Barnabas – Island of Cyprus (Greece)
Simeon – Likely a Black Man or dark-skinned manned according to the Word
Lucius –  from Cyrene of North Africa (Libya)
Manaen – Likely Roman having been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch
Saul – Tarsus (Modern Day Turkey)

Without Christ, this gathering likely would not be possible.  There would be too many political and social tensions.  But in Christ, they were a power house for the kingdom.  And what were they doing together?

They were fasting and worshiping.

Not just fasting and prayer.  But worshiping.

There’s power when leaders come from across the nations and generations to seek the Lord together.

Fasting and worshiping TOGETHER is the culture of church leaders.  It is when the leaders gather together like this that great things happen just as they did here.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Often I have read this and just moved on.  But lately there’s another part of this commissioning that has stuck with me lately.

While the Lord called two of them go to the nations, he did not call all of them.  He left others to stay and care for the church.

God cares for all the people.  Those at home and those that still need reached.  It’s not either/or but both and more.

So we fast together.  We worship together.  We bless those who go.  And we bless those who stay.

Church-changing words for any body of believers.