22/10/11 Job 11-12; Acts 15-16
S: Acts 15:36-39 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.
O: God is into giving us second chances, and Joseph, whose nickname Barnabas means "The Son of Encouragement" knew that, and so was willing to give John Mark a second chance although he had chickened out early on during their first missionary journey.
Paul, on the other hand, was a lot less forgiving. Paul would later learn the error of his judgement and in fact see him as a person who could help him in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11), and of course, John Mark goes on to write down the Gospel according to Mark as taught to him by Simon Peter.
In spite of Paul's error of judgement here, God still uses him mightily in his second missionary journey.
A: Even when we make mistakes, God can still use us, especially if we are committed to him and remain teachable.
P: Father, thank You for giving us second chances! In Jesus' name, amen.
Note: this is using the SOAP method. For more information, see this page (not written by me.)
No comments:
Post a Comment