August 8, 2010

LET'S BE A BARNEY

Scripture Reading--Acts 15:35-41

This is the last in our series of snapshots of Barnabas, God's spiritual spark plug.  Our final focus on this honorable, holy, hopeful, and helpful man magnifies his spirit of compassion.  Jude 22 announces, "And of some have compassion, making a difference."  Compassion sure made a difference in the life of John Mark.

Acts 15 records the only heated argument between Barnabas and Paul.  This debate centered on Barnabas' nephew, John Mark.  Mark had previously traveled in the missionary ministry with this spiritual dynamic duo but had "departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work" ( v. 38 ).  The word depart means Mark not only quit the ministry but also may have apostatized and quit the faith for a while.  While Barnabas "determined" that Mark would go with them on the coming journey ( v. 37 ), Paul determined that he would not ( v. 38 ).

Barnabas believed Mark needed a second chance, but Paul believed Mark couldn't be trusted.  The debate probably sounded like this.

"Barnabas, the boy's a loser."

"No, Paul he's a learner."

"Look, Barney.  Mark has  problems, and we have a mission to accomplish."

"I know he's had problems, but he also has potential, and he's part of our mission."

The disagreement ended in two mission teams.  Paul and Silas headed for Syria, and Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus.  Interestingly, Paul later admitted that Barney had been right, and his compassion in the life of John Mark paid eternal dividends.  He wrote in 2 Timothy 4:11, "Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry."  The missionary Paul had originally seen as a pitiful loser had become profitable leader. 

Thank God for the Barney in my life who gave me a second chance.  To whom do you need to extend a second chance today?

THOUGHT:  Everyone can have one ministry. It's the ministry of encouragement!

--Tom Farrell--