Barnabas, the son of encouragement, found Paul when he was still isolated from the apostles. He introduced Paul to them and stood beside him during the time when people remembered Paul as the persecutor. They spent a lot of time together doing ministry. Then one day they had a "sharp disagreement" and Paul took Silas and went one way while Barnabas took John Mark and went another way.
In talking about this story, someone said I guess we know who made the right choice meaning Paul because he went on to be "famous" and Barnabas and John Mark are not heard from again. That statement has always bothered me because notoriety is not necessarily an indication of God's blessing.
Of course Paul WAS God's chosen instrument to take the gospel to the Gentiles and has a standing among the early church leaders that few can compare to because of his obedience to God's call. But it is also generally assumed that the Gospel of Mark was written by this same John Mark that Paul rejected but Barnabas encouraged. It is also generally believed that this was the first written account of Jesus' ministry circulated among the new churches.
There are things that I do, and others do as well, little things to encourage someone. Praying for someone. Giving tithes and offerings to God through His church. Being dependable to fulfill ministry roles I've agreed to. Loving on my family in various ways. A card or an email sent. Little things that may never get noticed by anyone but Jesus. No one knows what impact those little things may have in someone's life.
Obedience is the goal - obedience in all things, whether they are little things or very big things. Listening to God's voice and then acting on what I hear.
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