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Have you ever tried to teach toddlers to pick up their toys? It doesn’t work very well to stand by and just tell them to do it. It works much better to work with them and pick up the toys together. Many things we have learned in life are a lot like that. We learn better when someone encourages us by working together with us.

Listen to what the apostles did when news of the rapidly growing church in Antioch reached them. Acts 11:22-26 tells the story, “News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (NIV)

Did you notice? Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch to help encourage and teach the church. I also think this was his way of encouraging Saul. Barnabas brought him alongside and they worked together. Today, look for someone you can bring alongside in serving the Lord!

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.7MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

My favorite character in the New Testament, other than Jesus, of course, is Joseph of Cyprus. You haven’t heard of him? Well, perhaps you know him by his nickname, Barnabas. He was the traveling companion of the apostle Paul. But there is so much more to his story told in the book of Acts.

First, he was called Barnabas because that means “son of encouragement.” He was always serving and encouraging others. He sold land and donated the money to feed the hungry. When Saul, who had viciously persecuted Christians, came to Jerusalem claiming to be a new follower of Jesus, Barnabas vouched for him and brought him to the apostles.

Later, the apostles sent Barnabas to Antioch because the church was growing rapidly and needed leaders. When he arrived and saw the need, Barnabas left and found Saul and encouraged him to come and help. Eventually, Barnabas and Saul were sent by the Antioch church to be missionaries to Cyprus and Asia Minor. On that trip, Saul became known as Paul. Barnabas also stepped back to let Paul lead the team. During this trip, one of their traveling companions, John Mark, abandoned the team. Later, Paul and Barnabas parted ways over whether to take Mark on their second journey. Barnabas wanted to give Mark a second chance and Paul did not. Mark would later write the book of Mark.

Why is Barnabus a favorite? Because I hope to encourage others like he did.

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.