"The Encourager" July 8 Readings: 2 Chronicles 33-34, Acts 9:26–43, Psalm 79:9–13, Proverbs 16:32–33

Today's Readings - 2 Chronicles 33-34, Acts 9:26–43, Psalm 79:9–13, Proverbs 16:32–33

Devotional - The Encourager 

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. At every moment, he is building up the Body of Christ, lifting others up, and making their service to Christ better. 

In Acts 9:1-25, Saul of Tarsus was converted and the persecutor became a preacher, devoting himself to the mission of Christ. But when, in verse 26, Saul headed to Jerusalem, he was 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 embraced Saul and sought to bring him into the fellowship of the church.

Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking 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. It was Barnabas encouraging him that built Saul up to become what he became.

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.

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Do you make the encouragement of others a priority?
Do your words lift up or do they tear down?
Do you seek to build bridges or do you build walls?