TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Acts 11:19–30
22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
Acts 11:22–26
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
Moses mentored Joshua. Elijah mentored Elisha. Paul mentored Timothy. The Apostles by Jesus himself. We have always admired the apostle Paul for being the greatest missionary. He established many churches in and around the Roman empire, discipled many leaders, wrote the epistles, and endured much persecution. But many do not realize that without the encouragement of Barnabas, Paul would not have been able to reach his potential. In the early chapters, we recall that when Paul was newly converted and went to Jerusalem, none of the apostles were willing to accept him except Barnabas. And because problems arose when Paul was boldly preaching, he was sent back to Tarsus. Barnabas never gave up on Paul.
Mentoring Paul was not easy as he had some biases against Gentiles. Barnabas mentored Paul for one whole year in Antioch, and in that one year, something significant happened. It was in Antioch that followers of Christ were called Christians. And this was where Paul began his lifelong mission.
Let us all be on the lookout for people who need us to be “Barnabas” in their lives. Who knows, the person you encouraged not to give up might be the person the Lord will mightily use for His kingdom.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Barnabas, who saw the potential in Paul and mentored him, believing in his calling even when others doubted. Please help us to be attentive to those around us who need encouragement and support, guiding them to fulfill their God-given purpose. May we be willing to invest our time and energy in mentoring others, knowing that You can use them mightily for Your kingdom and glory; in Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
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