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

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Some people always have to be first. Do you know someone like that? Always rushing to be first in line or cutting you off in traffic? Always sharing their opinions, even cutting others off? Or maybe you know someone who is always taking the credit at work or school, even though they didn’t do much for the project. Not very encouraging, is it?

One of the interesting things about Barnabas, is his ability to lead or follow. Notice how he is listed first in Acts 13:1, “In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.” (NIV) The church sends Barnabas and Saul on a missionary journey. Up to this point, Barnabas has always been listed before Saul. He was the leader. But that changes later in the chapter. Saul, who had started using the Greek version of his name, Paul, is listed first. Paul had become the leader.

This tells us that Barnabus was comfortable playing second fiddle. He loved to come alongside people and encourage them. He loved to see them grow and develop and take the lead. You can’t be a control freak or attention hog if you want to encourage others! One way to encourage another is to let them take the lead. Who will you encourage today?

How to leave a review: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/rate-and-review/

Please provide feedback and suggestions at: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/feedback/

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.

Please provide feedback and suggestions at: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/feedback/

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