In my studies today, I was reminded of a mentality that I am not sure I have seen in America. I have read and heard stories about this, but in over sixty years have not seen it put into practice. Our first exposure to Barnabas comes in Acts 4:32 – 37: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” He first appears as a generous member of the idyllic and extremely poor Jerusalem church. The concept of no one being needy because of a mindset blows me away! Most who have tried communal living have left disillusioned. Major churches do not promote this lifestyle today for fear of being labeled a cult.
Today we embrace God’s word, believe it to be true, but cannot seem to plug it into our selfish, materialistic society. Somehow Barnabas could and it changed his life. No one during this time, outside of Paul, accomplished more for God’s Kingdom than Barnabas. You can find stories about his travels with Paul and others throughout Acts and Paul’s epistles. However, you’ll notice in the quote above that he was labeled the “Son of Encouragement.” I am guessing that this name was like many Biblical names that illustrated a lifestyle more than personal recognition because in Acts 11:24 it says: “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” I love the stand he took against Paul who opposed his cousin John Mark from going on a mission trip. Paul did not want to take him because he had deserted them on the last one. Evidently Barnabas was all about second chances and it paid off because Mark was faithful on this trip and ultimately reunited with Paul.
In our society, it is common to tell a fellow believer to stabilize their own life, SO they can minister to others. I have even recommended this myself. The reality is that if we are ministering, encouraging, and investing in others God will bless us with everything we need. Our biggest challenge is differentiating between what is needs verses what is wants. Are the things we have in storage needs? Are the clothes we have not worn in over a year, a need? What can we do without that will benefit others and take us closer to the mentality of Barnabas? I guess the real question is do we have the capacity, living in today’s world of being a Barnabas? My dear God, I hope so.
Kids, as you think today, what do you have that you are not using that could help or benefit someone else? What words do you have inside of you that could benefit someone else? What Spirit do you have inside of you that could benefit someone else?
Need I say more?
Love Dad