BARNABAS
Barnabas is another one of my heroes. His name means ‘Son of encouragement’ [consolation, comfort, exhortation]. *Encouragement* = _*paraklesis*_ in Greek. _Paraklesis_ is what a _parakleton_ does. _Parakleton_ is the Greek word used by Jesus to describe the Holy Spirit as a Comforter.
In other words, the fellow-Christians called Barnabas – the son of the Comforter – *because his life was so completely transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit* that he was always looking to strengthen, support n encourage people. *Barnabas had learnt to deny himself, and walk in step with the Spirit*. In these accounts we can see a reflection of Jesus in him:
♥ *Caring heart*: Barnabas [aka Joseph] was among the first to sell his land and give the money to the apostles for them to use to meet the needs within the community. [Acts 4:36-37] 🔸In an era where people were sold into slavery to pay off debts – this meant that he was purchasing freedom for people. He was mirroring what Christ did for us on the Cross. 🔸If we believe that we are citizens of heaven, and that we are just passing through, we will cheerfully use the earthly resources we have to help others.
♥ *Discerning heart*: When others were wary of Saul/Paul, Barnabas discerned the hand of God over Paul, and opened his heart to him. [Acts 9:27]
🔸Jesus was able to discern the good that was hidden in people – eg: Zacchaeus, Matthew etc...
🔸Sometimes we harden our hearts against people because of the things we have heard about them. 🔸 Barnabas’ example challenges us to look at people through Jesus’ eyes.
♥ *Kingdom-of-God focused heart*: When a lot of Hellenist Jews came to the Lord in Antioch, Barnabas realized he needed someone alongside him to help disciple the new believers. He went to Tarsus to find Paul and bring him in as a yoke-fellow. [Acts 11:20-26] 🔸 _Satan tempts us to draw our identity from what we do_ – Sunday School Teacher, Counselor, Pastor, Intercessor … etc… 🔸He wants us to think of the work we do as ‘MY MINISTRY. _If we fall into his trap, we will feel threatened each time someone more talented/ effective than us comes along._ 🔸Jesus saw the needs of the people and trained up His disciples so that they too would be able to nurture the people. 🔸Barnabas reflects Jesus’ heart. Barnabas’ only concern was that people should be nurtured and grow well-grounded in the truth. Therefore, as a *servant of Jesus*, he brought in Paul to labour in the Master’s vineyard, without trying to protect his ‘territory’.
♥ *Gospel-transformed heart*: When Paul rejected John Mark for his one failure, Barnabas was able to see the potential in John Mark, and was willing to lay down his partnership with Paul in order to take John Mark under his wing. [Acts 15:34-37]
🔸 The whole message of the Gospel is that God has chosen to offer us a new beginning. Barnabas didn’t just preach it, he lived it… 🔸 God doesn’t just forgive us, He walks alongside us to help us grow into our full potential. Barnabas helped Mark to mature as a Christian, and fulfill his calling. John Mark went on to write the Gospel of Mark. Years later Paul himself acknowledged Mark’s worth. [2 Tim 4:11]
By looking at Barnabas we can gain some tips as parents (natural & spiritual) to look beyond the external, recognize the calling/gifting of our children and support them so that they fulfill their full potential.
_Abba Father, give me eyes to see beyond the natural. Help me to discern what you are doing in the lives of others, and help me to come alongside you in doing what YOU want me to do. Help me to nurture others to reach their full potential in You. In Jesus Name. Amen._
Alice Dawson
Barnabas is another one of my heroes. His name means ‘Son of encouragement’ [consolation, comfort, exhortation]. *Encouragement* = _*paraklesis*_ in Greek. _Paraklesis_ is what a _parakleton_ does. _Parakleton_ is the Greek word used by Jesus to describe the Holy Spirit as a Comforter.
In other words, the fellow-Christians called Barnabas – the son of the Comforter – *because his life was so completely transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit* that he was always looking to strengthen, support n encourage people. *Barnabas had learnt to deny himself, and walk in step with the Spirit*. In these accounts we can see a reflection of Jesus in him:
♥ *Caring heart*: Barnabas [aka Joseph] was among the first to sell his land and give the money to the apostles for them to use to meet the needs within the community. [Acts 4:36-37] 🔸In an era where people were sold into slavery to pay off debts – this meant that he was purchasing freedom for people. He was mirroring what Christ did for us on the Cross. 🔸If we believe that we are citizens of heaven, and that we are just passing through, we will cheerfully use the earthly resources we have to help others.
♥ *Discerning heart*: When others were wary of Saul/Paul, Barnabas discerned the hand of God over Paul, and opened his heart to him. [Acts 9:27]
🔸Jesus was able to discern the good that was hidden in people – eg: Zacchaeus, Matthew etc...
🔸Sometimes we harden our hearts against people because of the things we have heard about them. 🔸 Barnabas’ example challenges us to look at people through Jesus’ eyes.
♥ *Kingdom-of-God focused heart*: When a lot of Hellenist Jews came to the Lord in Antioch, Barnabas realized he needed someone alongside him to help disciple the new believers. He went to Tarsus to find Paul and bring him in as a yoke-fellow. [Acts 11:20-26] 🔸 _Satan tempts us to draw our identity from what we do_ – Sunday School Teacher, Counselor, Pastor, Intercessor … etc… 🔸He wants us to think of the work we do as ‘MY MINISTRY. _If we fall into his trap, we will feel threatened each time someone more talented/ effective than us comes along._ 🔸Jesus saw the needs of the people and trained up His disciples so that they too would be able to nurture the people. 🔸Barnabas reflects Jesus’ heart. Barnabas’ only concern was that people should be nurtured and grow well-grounded in the truth. Therefore, as a *servant of Jesus*, he brought in Paul to labour in the Master’s vineyard, without trying to protect his ‘territory’.
♥ *Gospel-transformed heart*: When Paul rejected John Mark for his one failure, Barnabas was able to see the potential in John Mark, and was willing to lay down his partnership with Paul in order to take John Mark under his wing. [Acts 15:34-37]
🔸 The whole message of the Gospel is that God has chosen to offer us a new beginning. Barnabas didn’t just preach it, he lived it… 🔸 God doesn’t just forgive us, He walks alongside us to help us grow into our full potential. Barnabas helped Mark to mature as a Christian, and fulfill his calling. John Mark went on to write the Gospel of Mark. Years later Paul himself acknowledged Mark’s worth. [2 Tim 4:11]
By looking at Barnabas we can gain some tips as parents (natural & spiritual) to look beyond the external, recognize the calling/gifting of our children and support them so that they fulfill their full potential.
_Abba Father, give me eyes to see beyond the natural. Help me to discern what you are doing in the lives of others, and help me to come alongside you in doing what YOU want me to do. Help me to nurture others to reach their full potential in You. In Jesus Name. Amen._
Alice Dawson
Comments
Post a Comment