“Barnabas wanted to take John along, the John nicknamed Mark. But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways” (Acts 15:37-40)

Paul and Barnabas had agreed to embark on a noble task. “Let’s go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let’s see how they’re doing.” However, their views on taking along a partner of theirs, Mark, brought a sharp dispute. Paul saw Mark as a quitter, but Barnabas retained Mark like ‘a diamond in the rough.’ Our perspectives concerning others can also lead to two reactions: quit on them or groom them. Barnabas had exhibited a similar trait towards Paul (then Saul). Paul had tried to join the believers yet he was unsuccessful, but “Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles” (Acts 9:27). Jesus, our prime example showed immense patience with His disciples. Knowing Simon Peter would deny Him, Jesus said ahead to him: “Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start” (Luke 22:32).

Who does the Lord need us to see differently? Thank God for His grace upon Barnabas. Paul would later say about Mark when he had no one but Luke with him: “Luke is the only one here with me. Bring Mark with you; he’ll be my right-hand” (2 Timothy 4:11).

BeEncouraged❤️ Freely received. Freely share