Paul and Barnabas were friends, yet they had somewhat of a "falling out". During their first journey together in Col. 4:10, they took Barnabas' cousin, John Mark, however he returned home to Jerusalem along the way (Acts 13:13). Later on a second journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark, but Paul resisted. In the New Testament, it is clear that there was a "sharp contention" that developed between them (Acts 15:36-41). They couldn't reach an agreement and they split up. From that point on they never saw each other again!
Can you imagine? Well, I can, being in such a dispute that you never wanted to see each other again? However, we fall in the pit that when we have this happen we walk around, disappointed, and sad, but what Paul and Barnabas did, even though they didn't do it together, was accomplish MORE WORK for the Lord because of how their disagreement was handled.
We will never know whether it was Paul or Barnabas that was wrong, some arguments imply that Paul was stubborn, too stubborn to give in, however there was not anything else said about the work of Barnabas and Mark. I feel a pull toward Barnabas. How many times do we need a second chance?
This is proven when Paul even finds John Mark useful in his ministry. Somethings I would like for you to consider:
1. Their work did not disrupt the love and respect that Paul and Barnabas had for one another. They moved on. In times of struggle, sadness, or down right arguing do you move on and keep your eyes on the prize?
2. Personal conflict is openly evident on the pages of the New Testament. Luke was led by the Holy Spirit to include this part of the narrative. I know that my instincts, when writing, I want to leave out all of the "bad" things.
3. There are always lessons to be mastered.
As I close, I want to ask you to examine, who is your hero (it has to be someone besides God or Jesus). What did that person do to make you look up to them and see them as a hero? I have quite a few....just to name some of them:
1. Mary Magdalene---think of the shame and sorrow she went through---did she bring some of it on herself? SURE! But she kept her eyes on the prize!
2. Sonia Sotomayer---she was 8 years old when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. In 2009, when she was elected, some questioned whether her "condition" (I love it when people call T1D that, haha!) would affect her ability to serve. In her climb she studied at Princeton and Yale and then found herself sitting on the nation's highest court. She is quoted saying "I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences". WOW!
3. Reed Horton---I think this is a given! Poor fella has been plagued with his first stomach virus since being diagnosed and has been a champ. Even in his times of weakness, he is such a blessing. When he is down, he leans heavily on the Father and on his mom. I have let him down so many times, just as I have let Brooke down, however I continue to keep my eyes on the prize...I know that in heaven my Reed will be healed and have no more needles or pain. I know that he is young, and his mission is not nearly over. I also know that when I prayed for him, the night he was born, I asked God, just as Hannah did (Reed's first name is Samuel) to use him for the glory of His name. Samuel in the bible was a peacemaker and leader....have you met my Reed?
Most of you that read my blog know I love music...I want to leave you with a verse from a favorite old hymn---
Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand
All the ways of God would lead us to that blessed promised land;
but He guides us with His eye, and we'll follow till we die,
for we'll understand it better by and by.
By and by, when the morning comes,
when the saints of God are gathered home,
we'll tell the story of how we've overcome,
for we'll understand it better by and by.
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