February 4 - Son of Encouragement

 Read today’s texts first: Exodus 37 & 38; Psalms 19; Acts 11

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

We need to have courage, but it’s even better
to give courage. That’s what “encouragers” do!

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight O Lord  (Psalm 19:14).

When Peter returned to Jerusalem from his crazy experience with the household of Cornelius, he was in trouble.  This was earth-shaking ground-breaking stuff, hanging out with the unwashed and uncircumcised (translation – unchurched).  Fortunately, when the other apostles realized this must be God, it finally dawned on them that the gospel was for the Gentiles too.

Meanwhile, Paul is waiting in the wings, with a burden to preach to the Gentiles but with no one to provide him with a bridge into ministry.  How does one who earned a reputation for persecuting and even killing Christians receive their blessing to act on their behalf?   Talk about your credibility gap!

Along comes Barnabus, whose name literally means “son of encouragement.”  Names do matter, and his name shaped the significant influence he would have on the early church, first with Paul, then John Mark, and likely many others.  He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (24).  Without Barnabus and the year he and Paul spent together, would the church have embraced Paul and sent him off with their blessings to the Gentile world?  The son of encouragement raised up Paul and other spiritual sons through his gift of encouragement.

“Lord, that opening prayer from Psalm 19 is my prayer.  May my words encourage young men and women who are looking for a bridge into ministry.  I long to see sons and daughters of my encouragement in ministry throughout Canada and all over the world.”