SCRIPTURE
Acts 9:26-31 (NRSV)
When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. When the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
DEVOTION
Today's scripture reading reminds me of the importance of holy friendships and good mentoring and discipleship.
Paul was a new convert to the faith. He didn't know anyone and didn't have good relationships with other Christian believers. He was an outsider and people weren't sure if his conversion was real.
People were afraid of him and probably avoided him like a plague until Barnabus stepped in as a friend, mentor, and spiritual guide, introducing him to others, validating his testimony, and encouraging him in his witness and faith.
It is so important that mature Christians do this for "baby" Christians. When a new person enters into our midst, we must take them under our wing, pray and study scripture with them, disciple and teach them, as Christ has taught us!
We ought not to look at them with suspicion, rather we are to help them as they struggle to find their way and their unique testimony and ministry amongst us!
Today, I want to thank God for Barnabus who had the wisdom and discernment to see a "diamond in the rough."
Who knows what might have happened had Barnabus not stepped in and befriended and loved Paul so well. Perhaps he could have given up and left The Church. Perhaps he could have been killed by his enemies before his time. Perhaps he would not have become the man of God and great evangelist whom we celebrate today!
Nobody knows what might have happened because Barnabus stepped into his life as the hands, feet, and mouth of Jesus!
I wonder if there is a new Christian within your sphere of influence whom you would be willing to see through the transition of coming fully into the community of faith?
If so, please pray with me:
Holy One, I thank you that you are a friend who sticks closer than any other. I also thank you for Barnabus, who was a brother and friend to Paul when he needed it the most! Please help me to be a "Barnabus" to someone today. Send someone across my path whom I can mentor and disciple--or who will mentor/disciple me! I believe, by faith, that you will do this. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL
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