MONDAY June 26, 2023
A Day of Desertion
Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 13:13
Paul and his company set sail and continued on their journey, but at this particular time, John Mark deserted them. He wanted to leave and go back to Jerusalem. Let me tell you what historians have to say about John Mark’s desertion. When they reached Perga in the lowlands, about eight miles from the ocean, malaria was rampant. Ahead of them, they faced a treacherous, 100 mile climb up the mountains. Perhaps these fearful situations caused John Mark to become discouraged and he jumped ship.
According to tradition, Paul contracted malaria, and the disease affected his eyes. In 2 Corinthians 12:8, Paul had prayed for God to take away a “thorn in his flesh.” What could have been his health issue? Some believe it was an eye problem. But was it due to malaria he had contracted?
Later, when another opportunity came to go on a mission trip, John Mark wanted to go along with his uncle Barnabas. Paul disagreed with the idea as he had already deserted them before. Barnabas strongly pressed the point; he wanted his nephew to go along. There was a sharp difference of opinion that caused the two friends to split company. Later, we shall read and experience the intense tension between them.
God would use this difficult separation to accomplish His will. It was not to be viewed as a bad situation. It actually became a good situation, because God used Paul and Barnabas to do double the work on the mission field! Years later, Paul the Apostle greeted John Mark and restored him back into fellowship with him.
There are times when church splits happen. Depending on the situation, God can use these circumstances to begin new areas of ministry.
The secret of every discord in Christian homes and communities and churches is that we seek our own way and our own glory.
~Alan Redpath~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
