Last week we introduced three individuals in Scripture that I believe represent three relationships we each need in our lives as it relates to discipleship, becoming the Christ-followers God intends for us to be:
Paul/Paula: someone a little further ahead in their walk with the Lord, willing to invest themselves into us.
Timothy/Tabitha: someone into whom we might invest ourselves, our knowledge, experiences, and walk with the Lord.
This week, I’d like you to meet the third member of this discipleship trio:
Barnabas
Barnabas/Barbara
The name Barnabas is translated “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36) and that’s exactly who and what he was, an encourager. Encourage (verb): give support, confidence, or hope to. In his specific case, Barnabas was instrumental in the disciples’ acceptance of Paul. If you recall, before Paul began his relationship with Christ, his literal job was persecuting Christians, even killing them. He was Enemy #1 of what was called the Way (John 14:6).
Barnabas went to the disciples on Paul’s behalf, encouraging them to accept his testimony as a life genuinely changed by Jesus Christ (Acts 9). What an encouragement to Paul, to have this friend affirm his character as well as his calling. But more than just words, for the next several years, Barnabas would serve alongside Paul on his missionary journeys.
While Paul and Timothy represent points on the spiritual journey different from us, a Barnabas is often one whose journey runs parallel with ours. Above all, a Barnabas is someone who comes alongside us in order to support us … He or she is someone through whom the Holy Spirit breathes confidence and hope, reminding us of God’s presence and purpose in our lives.
For many of us, we know who our Barnabas-es are. If you do, take some time this week to say thank you, and show your appreciation. For some, this might be something you need, someone you are praying God will provide. Be on the lookout; He’ll answer that prayer. But for every believer, this is a role we are all intended to play.
Whose Barnabas are you?