February 8, 2017: SOAP #2624:  Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 15:36 Sometime later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Observation:   Earlier in Acts 9 we read that when the apostles in Jerusalem did not want to accept the new convert, Saul (whose name was changed to Paul), it was Barnabas who accepted Saul and spoke on his behalf.   And in chapter 15 when Paul does not accept Mark, we see that Barnabas accepts Mark.  It was Barnabas just being Barnabas.  Barnabas had an important input in two men used by God to write portions of the New Testament—Paul’s letters and the Gospel of Mark!

Application:  How the church today needs people like Barnabas.  We need people who will accept the youth today who dress differently and talk differently but have great futures ahead in the Kingdom of God.

Prayer:   Lord, use me to be an acceptor and encourager to those who are rejected.  May I see you at work in those around me.  Help me see what they can be and not just what they are.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!