THIS ISSUE of "BB" completes the first year of its life. It has been so wonderful to see how quickly it has "taken off" and become a blessing to many around the globe (over 50 nations). "BB" is named after one Joses Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37); he believed in the potential of others, especially Paul, at a time when more mature Christians struggled to accept the reality of Paul being a believer (Acts 9:26-27). Barnabas’ ministry became recognized by the Church at Jerusalem, and they used him by sending him out to encourage and inspire the Christians to keep close to Jesus. His ministry brought many to the saving grace of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:22-23). The strengths of Barnabas’ life are recorded as (1) A good man (2) Full of the Holy Spirit, and (3) Full of faith (Acts 11:24). He was a lover, encourager, inspirer and gatherer of people. He ministered at times with the Apostle Paul, and together they "taught many people" (Acts 11:25-26; Acts 12:25). Barnabas proved that he could be trusted with money and the handling of other peoples finances, as he was used to carry relief money to the elders in Judea (Acts 11:28-30).Acts 11:25-26; Acts 12:25). 

In Acts 13:1 Barnabas is called a prophet and teacher. In Acts 14:14 he is called an apostle. His very name means "son of prophecy; son of consolation." Barnabas flowed in the Holy Spirit prophetic ministry and, as a result, blessed thousands of people. Through the prophetic, Barnabas and Paul were set aside for the work of the Lord – they were sent forth by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God (Acts 13). At Antioch, after impacting almost the entire city, Jewish persecution caused them to be thrown out. Rather than being despondent they were "filled with joy and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:42-52). At Lystra such an impact was made on the people that they called Paul "Mercurius" and Barnabas "Jupiter." At Derbe they taught many people, then returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch where they inspired the believers "to continue in the faith and that much tribulation" ("pressure, affliction, distress") is part of living in the Kingdom of God"(Acts 14:20-22). That "tribulation" he talked about happened both outside and inside the Church, for in Acts 15:35-41 the "humanness" of Paul and Barnabas is recorded. They had such a big argument that they parted company! In Galatians 2:13 Paul called Barnabas a hypocrite. How ironic that Barnabas got Paul accepted into the Jerusalem Church because he believed in him, yet Paul had a major dispute with Barnabas when he believed in John Mark! Perhaps Paul had a very short memory and forgot that Barnabas saw in him (Paul) what others could not? Right now there are many "John Mark’s" who are feeling the rebuff of a senior leader who has "rejected" them because of past "indiscretions."

It would have been a healing time for John Mark to be mentored by his Uncle Joses Barnabas. At a later time there was reconciliation between Paul and John Mark (see Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11). Prior to their fall-out, Barnabas was involved with Paul in the ordaining of elders in every church.

There is no doubt that Barnabas was blessed with great abilities in God to see the potential and the best in others – even those who had failed – and encouraged them "to rise up and go" again. It was that potential he saw in John Mark which caused his break-up with Paul.

The "Barnabas Ministry" is desperately needed in the Christian world today. So many have become disappointed, frustrated, disillusioned with the "church system," yet who carry very real callings of God in their lives – callings that need to be fulfilled to the glory of God. This "BB" exists to encourage and prophetically inspire you to know that there are others who love you, believe in you, and long to see you rise to fulfil your destiny in Jesus Christ. Regardless of the disappointments of the past, you can "rise again" – like Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3) and see the promises of God fulfilled in a marvellous way. Let the positive and powerful ministry of Barnabas fill you and thrill you this Christmas Season to the point that 2002 will prove to be your best year yet!  Will you be a Barnabas today? -   Rodney W. Francis.

Bible  Readings:  The ones mentioned in this article. 

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