Friday,
May 28, 2021
Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.) Acts 11:19-26
Barnabas is one of the Bible’s lovely
characters. His name means son
of encouragment[1]. The entire
ministry of this friend and fellow-laborer of Apostle Paul was spent as an encourager,
from Gentiles who had no idea what the Messiah’s birth, life, death, and
resurrection meant, to bearing the burden of bolstering the courage of John
Mark, a failed coward, who just needed a second chance. That piece of encouragment cost Barnabas
dearly, having to separate from his other friend, Paul, who wanted nothing to
do with Mark. Barnabas’ unselfish
loyalty to being Mark’s supporter resulted in Mark being around long enough
to write the second Gospel. Some things are worth the fight!
As I look back over my life and serving Jesus, if
I regret anything, it’s that I couldn’t have been more like Barnabas. If ever there was a gift sorely needed (especially
in this cuturally-polarized culture) it is encouragement.
I’ve had plenty of encouraging friends over the
years, people who were like Barnabas to me.
My chief encourager has always been Elizabeth. My bride has always seen me at my best and
worst; she still believes in me. (Makes
me know for a fact that miracles are possible).
Dr. Don McCutcheon is a friend of 30 years, and has encouraged me more
than I deserved. There have been so
many!
We came home the other day and found a rock on our front porch. It was a work of art – the art of spreading God’s love and thoughtfulness. It was also a day I needed an encouraging moment. Some time ago I found out from my little encourager’s Dad that “G” prays for me – regularly. When I was 10 my prayers were that Santa would remember to bring me what I wanted on Christmas. This child is light-years ahead in spiritual development. And I blame the parents. These neighbors take seriously their responsibility to train a child to trust God and serve others. Their lives show that!
Barnabas, son of encouragement; we all need one
in our life…and a whole army couldn’t hurt!
Even more, we all need to BE ONE in someone else’s
life.
For You Today
Have
you ever wondered what it is that God had in mind when He put you here on
earth? Well, whatever else it was, you
can be a Barnabas while you’re waiting.
Everyone needs some of that in their life, and you just might meet
someone today who needs a “God Loves You rock” on his front porch.
You
chew on that as you hit the Rocky Road; have a blessed day!
[1] Title Image: Pixabay.com Unless noted, Scripture quoted from The New Living Translation©
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