FRIDAY June 16, 2023
Fulfill Your Ministry
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
Acts 12:25
Remember, Barnabas and Saul had established a Christian church in Antioch after believers had scattered to the region, after the persecution of Stephen. As a result of Christian evangelism, there were a great many new believers who needed to be taught the Word of God. It was a time when God was doing an amazing, new work (Acts 11:19-20).
It seems that Paul and Barnabas were at Mary’s house for the prayer meeting for Peter. After this time of intimate fellowship and prayer, Peter’s release, and Herod’s death, Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch; but this time they took with them John Mark. He accompanied them, and as a young man, he would learn valuable learn lessons in ministry.
On another occasion, we shall see Barnabas and Saul, later known as Paul the Apostle, get into a big argument and become divided over travel plans. Paul did not want to take John Mark on a missionary trip, but Barnabas, as Mark’s uncle, wanted him to go with them. Paul decided that they should go their separate ways. Paul took Silas, and Barnabas and John Mark, his nephew, went into a completely different direction (Acts 15:36-41).
God even used this difficult situation between Barnabas and Saul for good. The Gospel was spread in two different places, and they accomplished double the work for the kingdom of God. But what was a common factor among these two men? They were fulfilling their God-given ministry.
Although sometimes ministry can be difficult, as it is not always smooth sailing, and Christian relationships can be strained, God has a way, through His Spirit, to bring about reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace.
No matter our disagreements with each other, we have the same responsibility––to fulfill our God-given call to ministry.
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
~2 Timothy 4:5~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
