“And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Acts 15:36-41
The Jerusalem council, after much debate and prayer, ended amicably penning a letter with Spirit-led conclusions that several disciples delivered. So when Paul proposed to Barnabas they continue traveling to check in on other churches, it seems strange that they had such sharp disagreement. Hadn’t the council all come to a unified conclusion? Hadn’t these two traveled to and ministered together in Antioch? Didn’t they have a singular motive to biblically counsel and strengthen the church? (Acts 15:22-35)
When we step back and see that they did indeed fortify the churches, each going in a different direction, we glimpse how God strengthens us in order to strengthen others. Paul and Barnabas divided, each taking with him another who would watch and learn and work alongside him. Each leader carried the experience of having weighed options and coming to a compromised conclusion based on the Spirit’s leading. Each one had strong opinions, and learned that not all people see things the same way. God used these experiences to develop their own gifting and dependence on Him, and equipped them to handle such situations they’d find among the varied congregations. God knows the plans and work He has for us, and weaves through our life experiences what we need for what He knows is ahead, and what He expects of us and those we shepherd. (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Timothy 4:11-16)
What is God training, or teaching me about Himself or myself, in my present turmoil, testy relationships, or work assigned, that I might employ in the future? With what challenges am I trusting His lead? Am I learning to listen better, to accommodate different opinions, to mediate between argumentative loved ones, to bring prudent consensus? How have situations and lessons from my past served me well in the present? Can I look back with gratitude and willingly continue to learn today for what’s ahead?
God presents many opportunities in our different areas of daily life to learn from Him and others. By prayer, we can be keen to His Spirit and attune our senses to take in and glean from these experiences. He graciously and strategically strengthens us in order to use us to strengthen others in His church. Are we willing to submit to the training so we’re most effective? How are we putting to use what He has instilled in us to build up those less experienced, or weaker in faith or understanding? Are we looking for and taking opportunities to encourage Christ’s church?
Father, keep me flexible, teachable, and eager to pass along from Your bounty for the good of Your Body and glory of Your name.
As the rain and snow 