Acts 11:19 “Meanwhile, those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. 20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.
21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.”
Years ago, when we lived in New Orleans, we had a pastor friend who was incredible! Our friend, A.P., was a go – to guy when things went sour at a congregation. You could almost hear the commercial: “Has your pastor run off with the church pianist? Did they take all the money in the church treasury? Is your church on the verge of a church split? NO PROBLEM!!! Send for Pastor A. P.! We guarantee that within 6 months, your church funds will be replenished, your church will be peaceful, and nobody will care about your old pastor and the pianist anymore!” No joke! The man really was that good.
Barnabas, a.k.a. “Son of Comfort,” “Son of Encouragement” was that kind of go – to guy. Even though Peter had ministered to the Roman household of Cornelius in Caesarea, most of the Jewish believers had yet to get the memo that Jesus died for ALL mankind and not just for the Jews. And now there were Christians witnessing to Greeks, but what to do? This situation called for someone with an in – depth education, someone who could not only speak fluent Greek but who was thoroughly grounded in the Greek religion and philosophy. Enter Barnabas.
Barnabas was sent to Antioch to assess the situation. And true to his nickname, Barnabas immediately began rejoicing and encouraging these new believers. But Barnabas was humble enough and wise enough to realize that the situation demanded someone with a deeper background than he possessed. That’s when Barnabas went all the way to Tarsus, probably by foot, and got Saul to come back with him to Antioch.
Proverbs 24:6 says “Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.” Sometimes we are tempted to force our way into or through situations without taking adequate counsel. But humility is an excellent virtue. It’s always wise to realize that others might know about something than you do and to take counsel from a number of different sources, including people who will tell the truth at the expense of egos. The next time you are tempted to have a one – man consultation, remember Barnabas. By all accounts, Barnabas was an astute cosmopolitan businessman, who probably spoke several different languages fluently. If someone of that stature was humble enough to seek out someone he knew could do a job better, what is stopping you from doing the same?
PRAYER: Father God, this morning we thank you for the sterling example of Barnabas! It takes a great man to recognize his deficiencies. Lord, please help us to realize that none of us is complete within himself or herself. Help us to humble ourselves as did Barnabas, so that your kingdom may fully come and your will be fully done in the earth. In the mighty and precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
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