In this postmodern self-driven age, it would do one well to stare long at the role of Barnabas in serving the Apostle Paul. Beloved, despite what the peanut gallery commits to harp, we are living at the end of the age. In light of the surmounting need for Saints to become burning and shining witnesses, and the evident reality that many will be sent face to face with their Lord, after being introduced to an Islamic sword; one must realize how important the role of sacrificial encouragement is needed. Let us look briefly at what this man Barnabas was to Paul, and the necessity for more men like Barnabas in these refining days.
THE ROLE OF BARNABAS IN THE LIFE OF PAUL
In short, Saul (Paul), was a madman bent on the destruction of the first Church. In Acts Seven we are introduced to him as a man giving final consent to the death of Stephen. Stephen, like Jesus, appeals to God's mercy upon his enemies before his final breath. Paul, now ripe with blood-lust, begins a campaign of imprisonment and annihilation on all those professing Jesus as Lord; which results in a scattering of the Church. Paul, realizing the very thing he sought to destroy has now found growing success in surrounding regions, is given permission to chase these saints down, and stay the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1).
We know the testimony all too well! Paul, on his way to Damascus encounters Jesus, is stricken blind, meets a terrified Annanias whom lays hands on him to receive his sight again, then immediately he preaches the Christ in Damascus Synagogues; to the point of then running for his own life. Only one problem remains, the Church is terrified of the authenticity of Paul's salvation. But God, in His great mercy, sends Barnabas to his aid (2).
Barnabas makes his biblical introduction in Acts Four as a man named Joseph from Cyprus, whom sells land to give to the needs of the Church. The Apostles called him "Son of Encouragement," or, Barnabas (3). At the time of Paul's arrival to Jerusalem from Damascus he tried to join the Apostles, but they were afraid him, until Barnabas boldly took It upon himself to advocate Paul before all (4). Thus began the comradeship of Paul and Barnabas.
Paul was a man created with the same matter as us (Holy breath and earthy dust). It is essential to understand that though Paul was filled with the Spirit, and highly advanced in the knowledge of God, he was not outside of emotional flesh. Paul had fleshly struggles. Paul, especially in those early days of salvific redemption, would have fought with much inner turmoil; he needed Barnabas! Barnabas was not only necessary for easing the fear of the Church towards Paul, he was greatly needed as a man whom would spur him on in the love of Christ. God gave Paul, Barnabas, as a vessel of encouragement (5).
Though Paul and Barnabas had moments of disagreement and frustration, even to the point of taking breaks from one another (6), in the end they consistently had each other's back with love and encouragement. Think to the beatings, and whippings, and shipwrecks, and trials and toils Paul persevered through (7). Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit whom caused him to persevere, and we must not neglect the many times this "Son of Encouragement" aided Paul in his persistent endeavors, through prophetic encouragement.
THE NECESSITY FOR MEN LIKE BARNABAS
The modern Church is drowning in liberal-postmodern waste, gaping to get a clear view of itself in the muddy waters of self-idolatry; too focused on individual emotions and belief systems to trust in truth, over journey. Thus, she seldom lives with the joy in advancing others more than herself. Barnabas, from his selfless introduction, to his uncompromising role as an encourager of the Church, was necessary for the maturity of the Apostle Paul; and, men whom would sacrificially enter into the role of encourager are rare, and dire in need. If we are to persevere the advancement of the Gospel of Christ among the hostile in these days, men of the likeness Barnabas must emerge. Frontier mission is a bloody mess of self-death, and ultimately, it will cost the heads of many whom engage with it. We must be about the business of encouraging one another.
CONCLUSION
If one of the primary issues at the end of the age is "the love of many growing cold" (8), then, I want a heart that burns with the sustaining love of the Lord, Jesus Christ. If I want to be a man like Barnabas, I want to set my heart bent on a relationship with the Holy Spirit, and I want to stay forever connected with the mercy of God to save a sinner like me.
In order to sustain a prophetic heart of encouragement, we must seek daily the Spirit of God dwelling in us. Tribulations of the heart, and tribulations of physicality will seek to discourage the saints. The Holy Spirit encourages us and sustains us through fellowship in Him.
The essentiality of knowing God's mercy in salvation, that we might become vessels of mercy and encouragement, is profoundly needed, yet profoundly rare. I don't want my love to grow cold from the trials of life. I want an alive heart in God. I know no other formula for an alive heart than that of continual fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The flesh alone cannot sustain that which is holy.
When our goal is about encouraging the saints, we are less critical of one another, and we see more clearly as to how we might walk together in holiness. The end means, satisfaction and praise to God, and satisfaction in fellowship with the saints, leading to the praise of God.
CITATIONS
1. Acts 7:54-8:4
2. Acts 9:1-31
3. Acts 4:36
4. Acts 9:26-28
5. Acts 11:23-25; 13:1-3
6. Acts 15:36-41
7. 2 Corinthians 11:22-33
8. Matthew 24:12
All scripture quotations were cited as follows:
ESV Holy Bible. The Value Thinline Edition ed. Wheaton: Crossway Bibles, 2001. Print.