LET'S BE A BARNEY
Scripture Reading--Acts 9:26-31
These days, encouraging words are like priceless jewels. They're pretty hard to find, aren't they? Praise the Lord for Barnabas who heartened people not only by his works but also by his words! He was a man both of contribution and commendation.
The majority of the Christian world looked at the recently converted Saul with suspicion. When he tried to fellowship and minister with the rest of the saints, "they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple" ( v. 26 ). Of course, their fear was understandable since this Christ-hater had "made havoc of the church" ( Acts 8:3 ) by imprisoning or slaughtering God's people.
The believers resisted him, "but Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles" ( Acts 9:27 ). He verified Saul's testimony and conversion and championed his cause. From a human standpoint, if not for Barney, we might never have been privileged to meet Paul. When someone's name is mentioned in your presence, do you speak well or ill of him? Barnabas spoke well of Saul, the church received him.
Missionary Robert Moffat was the Barney of his day. He listened to an aspiring young preacher attempt one of his first sermons. After a few minutes of his poorly delivered message, the young man sat down, frustrated and dejected. As the congregation departed, the young man wondered if God had truly called him to preach. Just then, Robert Moffat placed a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder and spoke these challenging and wonderful words. "Young man, you have the potential to be a great and wonderful servant of the Lord." Those words encouraged the young man, who went on to be a mighty missionary for God in Africa. Today the world still remembers the life of David Livingstone.
THOUGHT: Don't be a Christian cannibal who "bites and devours" others. Encourage others every chance you get.
--Tom Farrell--
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