By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
TUESDAY
THEME: SELFLESS GIVING: BARNABAS’ SERVICE OF LOVE
SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:2-3
“[2]As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” [3]Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”
REFLECTIONS:
The Christian Church has grown from a small group of 120 believers to billions of members through the generosity of men and women who fell in love with Jesus, the Savior, at various times. They shared their newfound faith and supported the course with their means and lives. They selflessly supported expanding the kingdom of God so that everyone would know the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Selfless, dedicated, self-sacrificing, loving, compassionate, and kingdom-minded people banded together and used their resources to proclaim the message of salvation.
Barnabas is one of such committed, dedicated, and hardworking apostles of Jesus Christ whom we hope to meet in heaven. His original name was Jose, but the apostles named him Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.” They saw in him a man who was an encourager. A man who loved God supremely and would sacrifice anything to ensure that the message of salvation reached people and that their welfare was also taken care of. Our first encounter with him is when he demonstrates generosity beyond everybody’s expectations. Acts 4:37 records Barnabas “having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” He did it wholeheartedly, for Christ’s sake.
Love is the cornerstone of the plan of redemption. The gospel has thrived through such generosity, kindness, and sacrifices of Spirit-filled men and women. In addition to supporting the gospel work with his means, Barnabas introduced Saul (later Paul) to the believers for his acceptance; otherwise, they doubted the sincerity of Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:26, 27). He championed Saul’s linking to the leaders of the early Church, allowing Saul to function and defend the course of Christ. Barnabas was there when the name “Christians” was given to the believers (Acts 11:25-26) – and indeed, he was one of those whose characters convinced the people of Antioch to call them by that name. Humanly, Barnabas’ discerning, selfless, humble heart made Saul’s call to be the apostle to the Gentiles a reality. Barnabas was gifted to remove obstacles and pave the way for the proclamation of the gospel to progress.
In listing the names of the prophets and teachers in the Church of Antioch, Barnabas was mentioned first – a recognition of his prominence, loyalty, commitment, love for God, and hard work – indeed, he was an Encourager. The Holy Spirit even acknowledged his selflessness and dedication to God. Acts 13:2-3 – [2]As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” [3]Then, having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”- what a Testimony! The two had a very successful, Spirit-inspired ministry (Acts 13:4-15:35) until they parted ways due to a misunderstanding (Acts 15:36-41). But the joy is that Barnabas and Paul reconciled, and Mark became a great blessing to the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11; Colossians 4:10,11), and we will find them in heaven. The passion for the work consumed them. What will you do for the Lord today?
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 359 – “Hark! The Voice of Jesus Calling”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for His grace; thank God for the opportunity to work for Him; pray to be a channel of blessing to believers and non-believers alike;
– Pray for preachers of truth, Christ-like ministers and pastors, Bible Teachers, and missionaries; pray for youth in the field doing work for God;
– Pray for communities that have not been reached with the gospel message; pray for Christians to demonstrate the virtues of Jesus Christ; pray for Christians to be generous and give hope to the hopeless;
– Pray for peace, cessation of wars, and Christ’s soon return; pray for the sick, families living in poverty, and children living in slums.
