Son of Encouragement - July 8 Readings: 2 Chronicles 33-34, Acts 9:26–43, Psalm 79:9–13, Proverbs 16:32–33

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In reality, he is one of the most important characters in the early church, though his name seldom comes up when we discuss that era. His name was Joseph, but people called him Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement. Every time you see him, he is working to make someone else successful. He first appears in the report of his generous giving in Acts 4. Later he will be a leader of Saul's first missionary journey, then splits with Saul over his desire to reclaim and encourage Mark. Every time you see him he is working to build the Body of Christ and to lift people up.

In Acts 9:1-25, Saul of Tarsus is converted and the persecutor becomes a preacher, devoting himself to the mission of Christ. But when, in verse 26, Saul heads to Jerusalem, he is met with understandable reticence. Those people knew him. Some had likely spent time in prison or had suffered because of Saul's  venomous determination to wipe out the name of Jesus. Perhaps some of them were grieving family members or friends whose lives were lost because of him.

They had every reason to be suspicious when Saul showed up claiming to be one of them. Who knew if it was just another scheme to get inside the church and then cause more pain? But there was one person who did not sit back in suspicion. Barnabas embrace Saul and sought to bring him into the fellowship of the church.

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. (9:27-28)

Barnabas was the bridge between Saul and the full fellowship of the Jerusalem church. In doing this, he enabled and encouraged the worldwide, eternal and ongoing ministry of the Apostle Paul. He didn't know that then. He just knew that unity and fellowship in the Body of Christ mattered.

The church needs more men and women with the heart of Barnabas, people who love people, who are determined to build relationships, to make sure no one is left out, to overcome obstacles. It is a noble ministry.

Father, may I be a Barnabas and may you fill our church with men and women who will devote themselves to building others up as he did.