Encouragement! This is something we are all called to do and each need desperately. Throughout my life and ministry, God has used various people to encourage me at critical times. Yet, I have to ask, how often do I go out of my way to encourage those around me?
One of the lesser known characters in the Bible excelled at this. He was so good in fact, those who knew him best nicknamed him for it. His real name was Joseph, but we know him as Barnabas. Barnabas literally means “Son of Encouragement.” Encouragement was so real in this guy’s life, he was named for it.
A few snapshots in the book of Acts show he truly was an encourager. In Acts 4, the early church is in need. Barnabas sells a field he owns and gives all the proceeds to the church. He’s so dedicated to the Lord and his church he sacrifices to further the mission.
In Acts 9, Barnabas vouches for a new convert by the name of Saul, also known as Paul. When Paul attempted to associate with the disciples of Jesus, they were afraid of him. Saul had persecuted Christians with such tenacity, the disciples thought his profession of faith was a trick to find more Christians and persecute them. However, in Acts 9:27, Barnabas “took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.” He vouched for Saul, a guy he barely knew so that he would be accepted into the church. Saul becomes Paul, one of the greatest preachers and missionaries the world has ever known.
In Acts 11, the gospel is spreading rapidly. Revival breaks out in a city named Antioch, a notoriously sinful city. At that pivotal moment, the church in Jerusalem sent “Mr. Encouragement,” Barnabas to encourage the church. He ends up recruiting Paul to come to Antioch and minister alongside him.
Later, a young believer named John Mark blows it big time on his first mission trip. In Acts 13, John Mark is on mission with Paul, Barnabas, and others. After serving on the island of Cyprus, they leave and head to Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey. This is a place of incredible persecution and danger. It’s a place filled with disease and fever is rampant. In Acts 13:13 we read, “… John, however, left them and went back to Jerusalem.” He gave up, quit. Later, in Acts 15, John Mark wants to return to the mission team. Barnabas shows grace. He gives John Mark another chance. He invests in him because he knows God has a plan for his life. Paul and Barnabas split up the mission team. Barnabas and John Mark form one team while Paul and Silas form another.
Barnabas, like all encouragers, did not live his life for himself. He lived his life for others, and by giving his life away so he can bless and encourage someone else for the glory of God. I want to be a Barnabas. I want to be an encouragement to others and invest in other believers. I want to impart courage to others to try, risk, and press on to experience God’s good and perfect plan for their lives.
Sincerely,
Pastor Allen