Tentmakers
I love how JH Outback has become such a family ministry. We have all served in different ways and at different times - but we all have made a contribution. There are many things that come to mind when we think of anything related to “JH” but none as predominant as the Big Top. Just the sight of that big ole tent brings so many happy thoughts and memories.
I have been reading through the Book of Acts in my quiet time. In Chapter 18, Paul arrives in Corinth on his second missionary journey. Corinth was the political and commercial center in Greece at that time but was also known for its wickedness and immorality. Paul later would write 2 letters to the people of Corinth - 1 & 2 Corinthians.
In Corinth Paul met a fellow Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They had just come to Corinth from Italy after all Jews were banished by Roman Emperor Claudius. Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers just like Paul. Paul stayed with them and they worked together in their craft while Paul was doing his ministry.
Aquila and Priscilla have no great, exciting story in the Bible but they are mentioned 3-4 times in scripture. They are known as loyal and courageous Christians. Here are a few key traits that stand out about their lives:
Couples can be very effective in ministry working together. Aquila and Priscilla were always mentioned together in the Bible - never individually. While they themselves were not the story of the day, they were great enablers for Paul as he was evangelizing in Corinth. In marriage, work and ministry, they were together.
The home is a valuable tool for evangelism. Aquila & Priscilla risked their lives by hosting Paul in their home. We may never be put in this same situation but we will all have many opportunities to make Kingdom impact in our homes. Sometimes the impact is readily seen but there are many other times when we are completely unaware of the impact our homes can have in other’s lives. Christian homes speak profoundly to those that enter. Yours could be the most impressionable one that your guests ever visit.
Every believer should be well educated in their faith - no matter what our roles in ministry. Aquila and Priscilla actually had the opportunity to disciple a teacher named Apollos. Apollos was a godly man but was limited in his knowledge of the faith. After they poured into him, he became an even more powerful teacher. It was only because Aquila and Priscilla had taken the time to gain a full knowledge of the faith that they were in a position to be able to help Apollos. We have the same responsibility to know what we believe and how best to communicate it to others.
Let’s all be “tentmakers” as we love and serve others. How can your home or your knowledge of the Christian faith bless someone this week?
Stay hungry,
Big E
Matt. 5:6