Scripture
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith.
Observation
The persecution in Jerusalem scatters the believers to many places, but they preach only to the Jews. Some believers arrive in Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene and start preaching to the Gentiles. The power of the Lord is with them, and many are saved.
The church at Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch. He sees that God is doing great things there and he goes off to Tarsus to fetch Saul. They both stay in Antioch for a year, teaching large crowds of people.
A prophet called Agabus predicts a huge famine, so the believers in Antioch collect money to help the church in Jerusalem.
Application
I can’t think of any better honour than to be described, like Barnabas, as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith.
This three- fold description is something we can all aspire to, because they are all choices that we make.
To be a “good man” or woman really depends on the choice to stand firm in the Lord. This goes beyond moral choices to the concept of integrity. A good person is one who knows what is right in every situation and who operates from conviction. A few years ago there was a fad on the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” which is a good way to remind us to always act in a way that honours the Lord.
To be full of the Holy Spirit is also a choice. It means that we constantly seek the Lord in prayer, asking Him to direct our steps. Christians are meant to be always aware of the Holy Spirit. Cultivating that awareness of the Spirit goes a long way to being full of the Spirit.
To be strong in faith means both prayer and action. Every issue in our life, every non-believer, every local and national problem should be brought before the Lord in prayer. As we do this, we learn to see that we have authority in the Lord. We start to pray bold and faithful prayers. Having prayed and listened to the Lord, we can act confidently, ministering the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to be a Barnabas: good, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. Amen.
