28/01/2025
_*And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.*_
_Acts. 15:37-38_
*(Silent Laborers _No. 24_)*
Always having the desire to go with others, to help and extend a hand to the weak, Brother Barnabas preferred the last places and left the first to others. Indeed, John Mark, a disciple whom Paul and Barnabas had brought back from Jerusalem, was taken to journey with them on their first missionary journey. It was intended that he would serve as their help in the mission. However, it turned out that John Mark did not complete the missionary journey with them. He chose along the way to return to home.
While Paul and Barnabas were getting ready for the second missionary journey, Barnabas insisted that John Mark be on the team with them, but Paul, who saw John Mark as an irresolute youth, did not want him on board.
Barnabas' insistence was on the consideration of taking pain to be patient to build up a weak brother like John Mark, a young person whose determination seems not to be very clear. This is where Barnabas' strength lies, having the heart and the patience to help others to discover their strengths.
*To measure up to the stature of Christ, as demonstrated by Barnabas, you must go beyond knowing how to preach or perform miracles. You must have a heart like Jesus Himself. The heart that is ready to leave the ninety-nine to seek out the one soul that has gone astray. This is the kind of heart that came back for Peter on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias.*
*Pray:*
_Lord, I see in the person of Barnabas this kind of disciples that You really need. Please, grant unto me Your infinite grace, that I may always recognize Your grace in others, and to be able to reach out to the weak so that we may all together reach the measure of Your perfect stature, in the Name of Jesus Christ;_ *Amen!*
Revival is now!
Bro Gbile Akan