"The Prophetic Significance of Barnabus" -Acts 11 & 13

Acts 4, 11 and 13 all give prominent attention to a man named Barnabus. His significance is as an encourager and bridge person. He served to strengthen and connect people, places and purposes. Initially a multi-faceted secondary and servant-leader, he’s a great portrait of a businessman or wealthy person committed to ministry, missions and mentoring young leaders. Over time, he became 1 of the most influential in the early church.

“BARNABAS” was an apostle (Acts 4:36-37; 11:19-26), and Paul's companion on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-14:28).  He is introduced as a Levite from the island of Cyprus whose given name was Joseph, or Joses (Acts 4:36). Land in Cyprus was similar to nice beach-front property today. When he became a Christian, he sold this land and gave the money to the Jerusalem apostles (Acts 4:36-37).  Because of his good reputation, Barnabas was able to calm the fear of Saul among the Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27).

            Early in the history of the church, Barnabas went to Antioch to check on the growth of this early group of Christians. Then he journeyed to Tarsus and brought Saul back to minister with him to the Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:25).  He and Saul also brought money from Antioch to the Jerusalem church when it was suffering a great famine (Acts 11:27-30). Shortly thereafter, the Holy Spirit led the Antioch church to commission Barnabas and Paul, along with John Mark, Barnabas' cousin, to make a missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3) to the provinces of Asia Minor.  A disagreement then developed between Barnabas and Paul over John Mark (Col. 4:10).  Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on their second missionary journey, but Paul felt John Mark should stay behind because he had left the first mission at Cyprus (Acts 13:13).  Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways, and Barnabas took John Mark with him on a second mission to Cyprus, while Paul and Silas traveled through Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:36-41).

I. The Role of Barnabus:

The Church owes much to Barnabus, and we should learn from his example. He was a bridge-person in God’s works. His life was used to connect and carry people into God’s plans. Barnabus was a Hellenistic Jew. This means he was bi-cultural, embracing Greek culture and Jewish faith. Now as a Christian, he bridges the Jerusalem Church with the Church in Antioch. He reassured the Jerusalem Church that the company of Gentile believers was acceptable. He remembered Saul of Tarsus and trusted him by bringing Paul into ministry in Antioch. He went out with Paul on the first cross-cultural mission journey across Asia Minor. He believed in young John Mark, and was his advocate and mentor. Barnabus consistently served as a bridge to connect people to God’s purposes.

II. The Characteristics of Barnabus:

Son of Encouragement- Acts 4:36

            We should never forget the indispensable role of encouragement. Barnabus represents a smile, kind word and a pat on the back. However, encouragement is more than words, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a deliberate, caring way to give value to a person with the wealth of your thoughtfulness. It works anytime, anyplace and especially with family. We should remember Barnabus’ name also means “One who is called to stand with or stand alongside.” He was a servant and mentor that made a difference. We all need encouragement!

            Another common belief attached to the apostles changing of Barnabus’ name is that the influence of his prophetic gift was great. Out of his heart to help and encourage others, it seems that God anointed him with words of prophecy that served to edify, exhort and comfort others. How wonderful is this gift in building and strengthening Christian lives and Churches; and how we need the prophetic ministry today that communicates God’s heart and eyes for our lives and endeavors. Let us believe God to speak to us and through us for the blessing and encouragement of others.

Sold-out (literally)- Acts 4:37

            Barnabus was re-named which usually accompanies a radical life change. His heart for God and generosity paved the way for a life of kindness and sacrificial service. Because of this, he was able to overcome the snares of materialism and greed that dominate our selfish, comfort-driven culture. His attitudes and actions proved he was no slave to possessions or the pursuit of personal gain. He is as a positive example of serving God, rather than Mammon…and seeking 1^st the Kingdom, while trusting God to provide for you. He was trusted by people and useful to God because of an open heart and hands. This man lived whole-hearted in a half-hearted world.

Strategic Vision- Acts 9:26-28, Acts 11:23, 12:25, 15:37-39

            He took Paul when everyone was scared, and led him in his first ministry opportunity and mission trip. He took John Mark when Paul had given up on him. Barnabus looked for and discerned the grace of God. He had the spiritual sensitivity to see destiny in others so he could look beyond human frailty with the eyes of faith. While ministers today look for better methods, management and technology; Barnabus joined God in looking for better men. Barnabus’ faith was not just faith in God, but faith in the work of God in other peoples lives. Because of this, he shows us the value of non-prominent Christians in the significant works of God. Other than worship, there is no greater ministry than to lovingly serve another for their benefit and God’s glory. It is in mentoring, making disciples and teaching children that we may have the most fruit and influence.

"Good Grief #3"

As a Pastor (or Christian), one of the greatest opportunities we have is to represent our Heavenly Father and Loving Savior by serving people in their times of devastation, grief, personal loss and deep sorrow. As people go through their life valleys and are overcome with dark shadows of emotion and fear, we should trust God for His supernatural grace, peace and healing presence.

I have learned by experience that people don’t know how to love you when you’re hurting…especially if there’s unexpected loss or you are a leader. There have been times that I wanted to communicate with or care for someone in extremely difficult circumstances, and I just couldn’t find the strength to do it. Whether it was fear, not knowing what to say or do, or the result of my own struggles in coping with the situation…I have too often let the opportunity to minister to “neighbors” in grief pass me by.

Grief is what we experience whenever we lose someone or something we loved or valued. We grieve over the loss of anything important. Whether you lose a job or a home, miss an opportunity, fail to reach a personal goal, or experience the death of a loved one or dream, you will encounter grief. Sometimes, if the loss is great, we are shaken to the core of our being, and the very foundations of our life seem to crumble beneath us. Death and the grief it causes touch the despair that courts many of us in our own moments of loneliness, and threatens the structures and sources of meaning that affirm our own lives.

When someone we know is sick with grief or imprisoned by despair, Jesus’ ministry to them is usually through you…simply “visiting and being with them” (Mt.25:36-40). Being there, your presence, hugs or holding hands is the vehicle often used by God to heal and free a hurting soul. Also, in softly speaking or personally penning a thoughtful note, remember the awesome power your words of compassion and encouragement carry.

The first key to grief and crises ministry is simply love.

“Suffering is only intolerable when nobody cares. One continually sees that faith in God and His care is made infinitely easier by faith in someone who has shown kindness and sympathy” (Cicely Saunders). “This thing called love” is much more powerful than most of us in the hustle and bustle of American modern life have ever believed. And this love will prompt you to “be there” relationally and to communicate it anyway possible. C.S. Lewis said it best: “When pain is to be borne, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human sympathy more than much courage, and the least tincture of the Love of God more than all.”

With hurting people, verbal things are o.k., but it may be the non-verbal, physical touch of affection, that makes all the difference. Your presence gives them the sense you are there…and they are not alone. This is why people on their death bed want those they love around them. We need the people around us who can essentially convey to us the message, “Your life has value to me, and I care about you.” Because grief is caused by the loss of what we loved and valued, grief ministry is at its best when it simply conveys love and value to one who is hurting.

Another key to grief ministry is the past.

It’s not just communication, but the sensitivity to discern and guide conversations to connect with the memories of the past that matters most. “Gifted Pastors” have taught me to never say, “How are you today?...I know how you feel…”etc. I rarely ask them questions about the present, and never relate my experiences with grief to theirs. I look for common ground…and use nostalgia as an ally to draw out good memories…find the words, phrases, or thoughts that bridge the gap…take them back to reconnect, remember and experience again a better time, place or loved one.

It’s beneficial to understand from Jesus’ parables (Mk.4:13, Mt.13’s the Sower and Tares/Wheat) that God’s way of ministry in this world is through the “seed of the Word, and the children of the Kingdom.” That means HE uses your words and life (empowered and anointed by His Spirit) to minister to the needs of others. May we continually speak the comfort and encouragement of the blessed Scriptures in love to strengthen those in the agonies of afflictions unbearable in human strength. And may the message of Christ and His Kingdom find the wanderers in the desert of resentment and rebellion which often follow severe suffering.

My friends, it’s never too late…real Christian love and witness carries His Words of Life and may yet save and heal…returning many to relationship with God…restoring others to enduring hope and joy unspeakable. “Don’t stop believing”…or caring. Selah

"Good Grief #2"

The following are some encouraging quotes related to grief and suffering:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His Holy Name! Bless the Lord, O my soul…and forget not all of His benefits…” –Ps.103:1-2

“It is only when everything is hopeless that hope begins to be a strength at all.” –G.K.C.

“When pain is to be borne, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human sympathy more than much courage, and the least tincture of the Love of God more than all.” –C.S. Lewis

“He who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.” –Aeschylus

“We know that by suffering is wrought steadfastness, and steadfastness is the proof of soundness, and proof gives rise to hope; and our hope cannot shame us in the day of trial; because the Love of God is shed forth in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us.” Suffering, steadfastness, soundness, hope, love-what great words these are.”
-Rom.5:3-5 (Conybeare’s)

“Everywhere a greater joy is preceded by a greater suffering.” –Saint Augustine

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the Glory that will be Revealed in us.” –Rom.8:18

“Jesus did not come to explain away suffering or remove it. HE came to fill it with HIS Presence.” –Paul Claudel

“One of the deepest lessons (you may learn), is that suffering is not something to be merely endured. Out of it we are to build a cathedral of heavenly beauty, and in that cathedral we bring God our deepest devotion. The pain which endures, the frustration which we never escape, the meager and tepid life which is to be ours always, these are the bricks which we are to build with never ending diligence and faithfulness, the loveliest worship, devotion and faith, which is permitted men to have.”-Paul W. Harrison (known as “the desert doctor” for his 38 years as a medical missionary in Arabia)

“Sorrow is one of the things that are lent, not given. A thing that is lent may be taken away; a thing that is given is not taken away. Joy is given; sorrow is lent. We are not our own, we are bought with a price, “and our sorrow is not our own” (Samuel Rutherford said this a long time ago), it is lent to us for just a little while that we may use it for eternal purposes. Then it will be taken away and everlasting joy will be our Father’s gift to us, and the Lord God will wipe away all tears from off all faces…
So let us use this “lent” thing to draw us nearer to the heart of Him Who was once a Man of Sorrows (He is not that now, but He does not forget the feeling of sorrow). Let us use it to make us more tender with others, as He was when on earth and is still, for He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” –Amy Carmichael

“They have been tested to the uttermost by affliction, yet their joy has throughout been over brimming: in spite of their poverty –their deep poverty –it has overflowed in a very opulence of unselfishness.” -2Cor.8:2 (Way)

“O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home. Under the shadow of Thy throne still may we dwell secure, Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.” –Isaac Watts

“HE is enough for us were the path ten thousand times more sad and difficult…..

AH! It is blessed to be at the feet of Jesus in our sorrows, for there divine light shines upon them, and though we may suffer, and even be oppressed with our trials, we shall not, while there, doubt His love…..
The soul is tested by afflictions as to how far self-will is active…God searches us. By this means we learn on the one hand what we are, and on the other what God is for us in His faithfulness and daily care. We are weaned from the world, and our eyes become better able to discern and appreciate what is heavenly…

Though thy way be long and dreary, Eagle strength HE will still renew; Garments fresh and foot unweary Tell how God hath brought thee through.” –J.N.D.

“HE is the Father of Mercies, God of all Comfort, the God of Patience and Hope”…and do not forget that discouragement is always from beneath; encouragement is always from above; God is the God of Encouragement (2Cor.1:3, Rom.15:5, 13).

“There is no pit so deep, but Christ is deeper still!” –Corrie Ten Boom