Patriot Moms

Submitted by Jason Ross, Providence Headmaster

In Acts 4:36, some Bible translations (NKJV, NIV, etc…) tell us the meaning of the name Barnabas—‘son of encouragement.’ I believe it was no accident that Barnabas, the companion of the Apostle Paul, received this name, because we are given one story in the Bible that demonstrates that Barnabas knew the importance of encouraging others.

Paul took two fellow ministers on his first missionary journey; he took Barnabas and John Mark (called Mark). For some reason, John Mark abandoned the mission long before it was complete. Paul was angry with John Mark and would remember his lack of commitment later.

When Paul was planning a follow-up mission, Barnabas, wanting to give John Mark a second chance, suggested that they invite John Mark to go along. Paul refused to take him this time. The ‘son of encouragement,’ however, had faith in John Mark despite his failure. Actually, Barnabas probably had faith in something greater when he looked at John Mark. It’s likely that Barnabas saw beyond his nephew’s ability and saw Christ in him. Of course, the fact that they were related probably helped Barnabas to be more patient with John Mark too. Regardless of the causes, in the same way that Samuel looked beyond the shepherd boy and saw the king and Mary looked deeper into her Son to the Miracle Worker at a wedding in Cana, Barnabas envisioned who John Mark could be. He considered what John Mark could do in Christ! (Acts 15:36-40)

As a result of their disagreement about John Mark, Barnabas and Paul went in different directions in their ministries at that time. Barnabas took John Mark. Paul invited Silas.

History teaches us that Barnabas’ patience and encouragement paid off. John Mark went on in ministry that culminated in his greatest acts of obedience—writing the Gospel According to Mark and walking through his martyrdom for Christ. Paul even acknowledged John Mark’s work later in life, saying, “Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” (2 Tim. 4:11)

We can learn a lesson about the importance of encouragement from Barnabas. We are also able to see beyond others’ mistakes, poor attitudes, and even sins. Through our own prayers and actions we can call on Christ within one another. We can see brothers and sisters in the Lord for who they are meant to be. Of course, that does not mean that everyone will maximize his/her potential, but it does mean that we would have cooperated with the Holy Spirit in assisting and encouraging fellow believers. The expansion of God’s Kingdom on Earth will be the result.

In the light of this truth, I am thankful and excited about the Providence Mom’s Blog. It’s a great avenue for you to encourage one another.

Philippians 2:1-3 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (NIV)