City Life Starter

I. The Word: When he (Saul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27

By Blesson Nelson

Barnabas ‘the encourager’ is a very interesting character in Bible. We read about his character and abilities in the book of Acts. One of the ultimate ways of encouragement is to stand up for someone. It is one thing to say good and kind things about someone and to encourage with positive affirmation, but it is totally another league to stand and vouch for some one. Barnabas was filled with wisdom and Spirit and was able to put his reputation on the line to stand up for Saul.

Saul (who later became Paul) was persecuting and punishing the followers of Christ with an unwavering vengeance. He had obtained permission from authorities to pursue and punish anyone who would follow Christ. Christians of his time feared him as many of their fellow believers were arrested or killed and Saul was now gunning for their leaders. It is during this time that Paul was trying to establish contact with the disciples of Christ to join them in Jerusalem. Naturally, all of them were afraid and did not trust Saul’s conversion story. They looked at him with suspicion and did not want to include him.

Barnabas was different! He went and investigated about Saul’s claim. He then boldly took him to the fearful disciples and introduced Saul and advocated for him. Barnabas was taking an enormous risk but trusting Saul. If Saul’s claims were fake, early church would have been destroyed. But, if Barnabas would not have stood up to take this enormous risk, we would not have half the New Testament today! Barnabas was a risktaker for God. His encouragement went much further than kind words or action. He was willing to risk everything for the sake of Saul. Saul, who later became Paul, went on to do great things for the extension of Lord’s kingdom and ultimately died as a martyr for preaching the good news of Christ.

On this Easter weekend, I also think that Barnabas was reflecting the mind of God. God took an enormous risk and vouched for us by sending His only son. Christ was willing to die for us and is still advocating for us trusting that we all will do the right thing. Now Christ is seated at the right hand of Father and is advocating and encouraging us to lead a righteous and blameless life. Let’s ask these questions to ourselves and examine where we stand.

1: Do we have to tenacity to investigate and find the truth?

2: Are we willing to vouch for someone who may be willing to change for the better by putting our reputation and life at risk?

3: Are we willing to take risks for the sake of God’s kingdom?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to be people who would look for the Goodness and Truth. Help us to be like Barnabas in our homes, offices, churches, and neighborhoods. Help us to seek people and stand up and vouch for people and take risks for the extension of Your kingdom. Help us to be encouragers and peacemakers. In Jesus name. Amen