2021 Daily Devotion - Day 313

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Acts 13:1-3 ESV
Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

In this text, I want to focus on one of the men in the story by the name of Barnabas. He is a unique person in several ways and has a great deal to teach us. His name alone tells us a great deal about him. The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement”. What is fascinating is this is not the name he was given at birth, but rather a “nickname” given to him by the other followers of Jesus in the early church (Acts 4:36). His birth name was Joseph, but it appears because he was such an encourager to others, he developed this nickname. We see it on display when Saul of Tarsus, who had been killing Christians; becomes one, and now is known by the name Paul. As you can imagine, the early church was very fearful of this former killer of Christians. But in Acts 9:26-28, Barnabas speaks up for Paul and urges the church to welcome him; which they do.

Here in this text from Acts 13:1-3, we find the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Paul to be a team as missionaries; which they do. God knew the difficult work Paul would do in going to Gentiles and Greeks; starting churches in Asia Minor. He knew Paul would need someone at his side who would be an encourager; which Barnabas did.

Imagine being such an encourager of others that you would be known as a son or daughter of encouragement. This is something to strive for. The world is filled with negative fault-finding people. The world is starving for people who are uplifting and supportive. Perhaps this could be you. So today, find someone you can encourage and give them a pat on the back. Keep doing it so one day they will call you son or daughter of encouragement.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, how thoughtful of You to provide the Apostle Paul with someone on his team who was so uplifting. You think of everything. Inspire us, by this example of Barnabas, to do what he did so long ago. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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