February 8, 2012 (Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.” Acts 15:39-40 NLT
Observation: Paul and Barnabas made up a strong missionary team, but things were about to change. Barnabas wanted to take his cousin John Mark with them, but Paul absolutely refused. John Mark had left them in the midst of their work before and Paul had no confidence in him. Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company, but God used their disagreement to take one missionary team and turn it into two. Later, Paul’s confidence in John Mark was restored and he became a help to Paul once again.
Application: God is not bound by what He can use to accomplish His will. Even human disagreements and failures can be utilized to accomplish God’s plan. Had the early Christians not been persecuted, we may very well have never heard of Jesus. But because of such strong persecution the early Christians were scattered and began sharing the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the entire region. We owe our understanding and knowledge of Christ to the early ministers of the gospel who refused to coward down when faced with extreme opposition. God uses Paul’s accountability, and Barnabas’ grace to teach us what it means to be faithful and yet compasionate.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You’ve made. Thank You for Your grace and mercy that provides and protects me daily. Thank You for Your strong right arm that fights for me in times of trouble. Help me to clearly see and understand how You are working in my life. Help me recognize the opportunities You’ve provided and be faithful to perform the work You’ve called me to do. In Jesus name, Amen!