Son of encouragement

Barnabas was one of the early church members who shared his possessions, laying them at the apostles’ feet to be shared with each who had any need. He was the one who convinced the frightened disciples in Jerusalem that Paul’s conversion was real. He was the man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, whom the church in Jerusalem sent to Antioch. (Act 11:21) He invited Paul to join him, and they taught together as apostles to the Gentiles with great success.
Then Paul wanted to revisit every city where they had worked to see how the believers were doing. However, Paul was adamant that Mark would not go with them, but Barnabas wanted to encourage Mark with another chance. “The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company.” (Acts 15:39) And we never read any more about Barnabas.
Irreconcilable differences! Even between two great evangelists. Even when both faithfully proclaimed, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” It happens all too often. And still the kingdom of heaven has come near.

Gracious God, even when our differences separate us, help us to continue to believe and to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven has come near. Amen.

Contributed by Rev. Kenn Ward

Eternity for Today