“The full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all… As many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need… Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)… sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
“When [Paul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.”
“When [Barnabas] came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord… for a whole year, they met with the church and taught a great many people.”
“Barnabas… urged them to continue in the grace of God.” Acts 4:32-37; 9:26-27; 11:23-24,26; 13:43
It is not clear whether Barnabas earned his nickname or lived into its benediction by motivated practice, but he wore it well. The first glimpse of him in scripture, at the burgeoning beginning of the early church, is noted almost as a P.S. Neither flashy nor seeking praise, he’s included for his willing offering of what he valued to meet needs he did not know, signaling the start of a selfless, steadfast, bold, and patient ministry spent for others’ sake. (Acts 14:12-15; 15:36-41)
When we’re named as Christ’s own and take first steps to live and love as His children, God works into us increasing transformation and out of us growing usefulness in His hands. We start turning over all we once held dear, and with emptied eager hands take on God’s assignments with ever-increasing zeal. Inspiration from the Lord and joy from the exchanged life motivate ongoing fruitfulness in ministry and service to others. (Colossians 3:12-14; 2 Peter 1:5-8)
How will I start anew embracing my identity in Christ? What habits or goods or plot in my heart can I surrender to free valued time to seek His face, listen to His word, laud Him with praise? Genuine yielding and investment of attention and devotion, as in any love relationship, breeds deepening hunger for more.
How do I, and will I, boldly proclaim Christ’s gospel with compassion, generosity, tenacity, words? How readily do I step in and urge on for Jesus’s sake in others? In an antagonistic world, what steps am I taking to continue steadfast in ministry?
Father, keep me stepping higher and farther as You bid every day, spending myself for the good and growth of others and Your increasing glory.
As the rain and snow 