Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 02, 2022: SOAP #4444:  Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 9:26 When he (Saul who became Paul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 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.

OBSERVATION: Barnabas; what a great man of God!  He used his position among the disciples to introduce and include Saul.  Everyone in Jerusalem knew of Saul’s enthusiasm for Judaism and how he had persecuted the believers.  The disciples were not going to accept Saul into their fellowship.  But Barnabas accepted Saul, introduced him to the fellowship of disciples.  He told them what God had done in Saul’s life and of how Saul had been preaching “fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” 

The disciples could not take their eyes off Saul’s past.  Barnabas could not take his eyes off Saul’s future. 

Later Barnabas accepted John Mark when the now Apostle Paul refused to take him along on his missionary journey.  Paul and Barnabas split up over that disagreement. 

It is noteworthy that two authors of New Testament books had their roots in Barnabas: Paul wrote most of the letters and Mark who wrote the gospel that bears his name.  In those books we read the fruit of Barnabas.

APPLICATION:  There are believers all around me whom God has called to work in His kingdom.  They are young and making mistakes as they learn to fulfill their calling.  God wants to use me as an encourager to build them up. 

And not only me, but every believer can have this ministry, especially the older generation.  In your fellowship of believers, look for a young person.  Pray for them every day.  Ask God to show you a way to appreciate them, to build them up and encourage them.    

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, use me to strengthen and encourage those you have called to serve you in the Kingdom.  May I be as faithful as Barnabas.  Multiply my fruitfulness, not only fruit from my life, but fruit from the lives encouraged by me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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