June 18, 2019: SOAP #3484:  1Kings 22; 2Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4

Scripture:  Colossians (NIV) 4:10 My fellow-prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

Observation:   Mark had started on Paul’s first missionary journey but had turned back.  When Barnabas wanted to take him along on the second, Paul refused.  It caused Paul and Barnabas to split up, Paul taking Silas and Barnabas taking Mark. Acts 15:27-39   But now things are different.  Paul is in jail writing a letter to the church in Colosse.  Mark, who is now with Paul, requests that Paul include his greetings in the letter.  Paul goes even further and encourages them to welcome Mark if he visits them.

Thank the Lord for Mark not getting so offended and not holding a grudge against Paul for the earlier rejection.  And, thank the Lord for Paul not carrying the past into the present.  Mark is the author of the second gospel.

Application:    God is bigger than my failures!   God can work through my weaknesses for HIS GLORY!   Rejection by the Apostle Paul did not hinder Mark’s future ministry.

Thank the Lord for Barnabas who took Mark along with him on a missionary journey, discipled and prepared him for future ministry.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me be like Paul who gave a second opportunity for ministry.  Help me be like Barnabas who did not see past failures as disqualifying from future ministry.  Help me be like Mark who did not become offended and bitter.  Help me know that God is the way-maker for ministry.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!