WCC: Woodlands Christ's Church!

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Daily Reflection

July 28, 2010: "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles"

Scripture: Acts 9:26-31

²⁶When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. ³⁰When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. ³¹Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

Meditation:

In this story in the life of Paul we see Barnabas 'stand in the gap' and stand up for Saul. Whenever someone is in a difficult and awkward situation, it is an opportunity for the believer to step in the gap and stand up for the weak. God talks a great deal about the widows, orphans, foreigners and aliens. They folks are somehow misfits in a society that is based on locally grown full families (father, mother and kids). In a mobile, chaotic and dynamic society like ours it is not hard to spot someone who is out of place; because their family situation has changed (divorce, separation), move to a new city, left the home for school, work or other reasons. We see so many people in difficult and awkward situations. A Christian doesn't have to look very far to search for someone who needs some TLC (tender loving care). There are so many needs out there. Instead of standing apart from such people, in the case of Barnabas (the "encourager") he steps up to help his new friend in Christ. Is there someone nearby (look around...) who seems a bit out of sorts, lonely, confused, displaced? Be an encourager to someone in your life. Maybe the Lord has placed you strategically where you are for that very purpose.

"Lord Jesus, forgive me for being so self-absorbed. I have my problems and issues but there are people around me to whom I don't give the time of day. Grant me peace and rest in my heart that I may share your peace with others who I encounter that may need it today."