Barnabas: Second Chances

Have you ever found yourself torn between the decision to keep trying or give up? Perhaps it was with a specific person. You find yourself weighing whether or not to involve someone in your work. At a time of difficulty, the person in question left when things heated up. Do you include them once again or move forward? Such was the crossroads that Paul and Barnabas found themselves in, as recorded in Acts 15:36-41.

In Acts 15, Paul proposes returning to the cities where they had formerly preached and strengthening the brethren in those cities (Acts 15:36). Barnabas agrees. Still, they disagree over the inclusion of Mark (Acts 15:37-38). While Paul may have been justified in his decision to refuse to take Mark and instead take Silas, Barnabas was justified in taking Mark with him.

It is not recorded for us all that Barnabas and Mark did. We know that they sailed to Cyprus, Barnabas' hometown (Acts 4:36). We are left to wonder about the conversations and work they engaged in. However, we are assured of the fruitfulness of this decision. Paul even finds himself recognizing the improvement of Mark, as well as his renewed usefulness (Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11). Although not all the details of renewing his usefulness in the Lord are provided, one thing, perhaps the most important, was Barnabas. Because of the endeavor of Barnabas, we find Mark, once a quitter, finishing his course well.

Here is the lesson to take from this noble and compassionate act of Barnabas: believing in others' work. I must admit, not everyone you believe in and pour yourself into will be the Christian you so badly wish that they will be. People have free choice, for good and evil. However, we ought not to be those who so quickly dismiss one another. Paul would write that the spiritual ought to restore one who has fallen into transgression (Gal 6:1-2); this is a fulfillment of the Law of Christ.

We all know someone, perhaps multitudes, who are struggling to be the Christian that they ought to be. Does there come a time to dust off your feet? Absolutely (Matt 10:14). But, as Jesus would even recognize, that comes at the end of much deliberation; it is not a decision made in haste. And, even if such an action is practiced, it is not the end - we do not become mute to them and begin shunning. We seize every opportunity.

Seize every opportunity; it might just yield the result that God desires: a person's faithfulness.