Living a 220 life

Raising a spiritual child

July 1, 2009 on 12:53 pm | In Discipleship | No Comments

“Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11:22-26)

Let me give you a brief picture of what’s going on here in Acts chapter 11. The Gospel has been opened up to the gentiles and they are now accepted into the faith. The city of Antioch is full of people readily accepting Jesus as Lord. In fact, so many people are accepting the Lord that word spreads to Jerusalem about the city and Barnabas is sent to investigate. Upon his arrival Barnabas saw the grace of God and was over joyed by the fruitful labors in the city. Then, Acts 11:25 says, “Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.” ????Why did Barnabas do this???? Why did he leave to go get Saul? Let me explain.

The answer to this question lies in Acts 9:27 where we read, “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.” You see, Saul was feared by the believers because he was greatly persecuting the church. So when he was converted on the road to Damascus he was still feared. The early church didn’t believe he was changed and thus didn’t accept him with open arms…except for Barnabas. Barnabas accepted him by faith and brought him to the apostles. Barnabas became Saul’s spiritual parent.

Barnabas understood that his role as Saul’s spiritual parent involved more than simply welcoming him into the faith. This is why we find Barnabas leaving Antioch to go get Saul. Barnabas was bringing Saul because there was much training to be had in Antioch with the explosion of new believers. Barnabas could have easily handled the city on his own but he understood Saul needed to watch him operate. He needed to offer an example just like Jesus offered His disciples an example of ministry.

Friends, this has several implications for us today. We must get out and involve ourselves in the Lord’s work. We must be laboring in the fields for the Lord. Also, we must bring someone with us to watch. If we are doing ministry and no one is learning from us we must ask ourselves the question, “who am I laboring for?” Will this ministry die with me? Remember friends, it’s not about us, it’s all about Him. We must make provisions to train others to carry on the work of the Lord. AMEN!