Several months ago, I was talking with one of my Barnabases. I told him about how I was stressed and being very short-tempered with my kids and wife. It wasn’t anything too major but it was short of who I know I should be. The worst part was that I knew better and saw the stress level coming from a way’s off . . . so why wasn’t I more in control?!
My Barnabas didn’t dismiss me or let me off the hook.
He encouraged me.
He spoke life and told me who I really am.
He also told me to get flowers for my wife, which was probably really good advice!
In Acts 11 we see the early Christian leaders in Jerusalem curious and concerned over the church in Antioch. The person they sent to check things out?
Barnabas.
It’s just a quick reference in the verse, but there are some things we can take away in assessing how a Barnabas functions in your life.
First, Barnabas went. He did as he was instructed.
Your Barnabas needs to be dependable.
Second, Barnabas saw the grace of God.
Your Barnabas needs to be familiar with God’s ways such that
he recognizes grace, mercy, peace, etc. He sees God’s hand at work in your life
and can call it out.
Third, Barnabas exhorted them to remain faithful.
Your Barnabas should be encouraging you to grow closer to
God as a top priority. You should have common interests, but the most important
should be each other’s walk with God.
Fourth, Barnabas exhorted them to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.
Your Barnabas is going to want to see you live with purpose,
not aimless. Likewise, you want to see him live with purpose & not aimless.
Your lives should be filled with intention and as such, you call that out of
each other.
At the end of the day, a Barnabas is a steady man of God who walks beside you through the ups & downs. They call out from you that which you cannot see for the purpose of God’s plan to be fulfilled in your life.
They may come & go out of your life and that’s okay . . . that’s part of life’s natural course.
But, no matter where you are right now, you have some Barnabases in your life . . . whether you recognize it or not.
Thoughts to Pray/Journal:
- How can I be a better encourager for my Barnabas?
- How can I better recognize the grace of God & share that with others?
Reading: