Sunday, October 15
Acts 15:36-41
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Devotional:
Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark went on a missionary journey. After the first stop, John Mark left and returned to Jerusalem while Paul and Barnabas continued on (see Acts 13:13-14). Later, when Paul decided to return to those they had reached where they had gone the first time, Barnabas wanted John Mark to come along. Paul strongly disagreed; believing that John Mark was untrustworthy and that he had proved himself unable to withstand a missionary journey. Barnabas and Paul disagreed sharply and split. Barnabas took John Mark and Paul chose Silas, both going in opposite directions.
Paul and Barnabas didn’t disagree on doctrine or belief in Jesus;it was a personality difference. Understand, God desires for us to be united and at peace with one another. Yet, God works even in disagreements. Notice that God used this difference to spread the Gospel in two different directions. God now had two teams instead of one and the Gospel was spread further. This shows how God can work His will through any situation, despite our human nature.
Bonus nugget one: Paul and Barnabas reconciled their differences. This is evident from Paul’s words found in his first letter to the Corinthian church (see 1 Corinthians 9:6).
Bonus nugget two: Paul and John Mark also reconciled their differences. This is evident from Paul’s words found at the end of his letter to the Colossian church (see Colossians 4:10) as well as in his second letter to Timothy (see 2 Timothy 4:11).
Prayer:
Father, I thank You for working through differences, disagreements and flawed personalities to accomplish Your will. I ask You to soften and bend my own personality to do what You ask of me. Show me and make clear to me what YOU want, not what i (#intendedtypo) want. Help me to overlook the flaws of others and to repent of my own sins. Remove my every tendency to judge others in inappropriate, God-dishonoring ways. Show me how to walk in the footprints of Jesus and how to see Jesus in others, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Application:
Today, look at others through the eyes of Christ. Make a new effort to LIVE in a new way today; like Jesus. Love others (just like Christ does) at work, at home and at church no matter how much you might disagree with them.
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