August 7, 2010

LET'S BE A BARNEY

Scripture Reading--Acts 13:45-52

In our last episode of the life of the encourager, we saw Barnabas involving Saul in ministry through cooperation.  In Acts 13, Barney blessed the life of Saul even further through the ministry of condescension.  It is important to remember that Barnabas had been saved longer than Saul, was more highly respected, and held a higher position.  But status meant nothing to Barney, and service meant everything.  He humbled himself to honor his friend, Saul.

A quick survey of this evangelistic team reveals that Barnabas is always named before Saul in the Scriptures ( see Acts 11:25; 12:25; 13:2, 7 ).  Part way through Acts 13, Saul--then called Paul--began to take leadership of the team.  In verse 46, the order changes to "Paul and Barnabas" and remains that way throughout the Book of Acts.  Barnabas was a curtain puller so Paul could take center stage and be the chief preacher.  Barney fulfilled Romans 12:10.  "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."  One of his greatest joys was Paul's success.

Someone once asked Leonard Bernstein, the famous conductor, which orchestral instrument was the hardest to play.  "Second fiddle!" he replied.  "Everybody wants to play first-chair violin, but it is hard to find someone who will play second chair."  Barnabas loved not only pulling people up but also pushing them forward.

Philippians 2:3 admonishes us, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."  One commentator says lowliness of mind means to be "carpet minded."  The Lord Jesus demonstrated the spirit of condescension by laying down His life on the cross so we could step up to the kingdom of heaven.  Are you willing to esteem, elevate, and encourage others so they can succeed for the glory of God?  Are you willing to step back so others can step up?  Are you willing to be walked over so others can walk on?

THOUGHT:  God honors those who humble themselves.  See 1 Peter 5:6.

--Tom Farrell--