Who’s Your Encourager? You Need a Barnabas

Text: Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-28; 15:36-41

Introduction: Leonard Sweet is Professor of Evangelism at Drew University and a prolific author. His books have intriguing titles like The Gospel According to Starbucks, SoulSalsa, and his most recent work, 11 Indispensable Relationships You Can’t Be Without. The most helpful chapter for me in his latest book is about Barnabas. I was reminded of the places in the story of the early church where he showed up. This prompted me to look at my life through the “rearview mirror” and identify those who had been a Barnabas for me. These were people who God sent to me at critical junctures of my journey and who met a special need. They were like the spectators at the Boston marathon, who don’t come to run but to watch and cheer. They provide cups of cold water to weary runners, and say, “You’re doing great” and “You’ll make it to the finish line.” This was what Barnabas was like! So, when did Barnabas show up in the church story?

1. Barnabas was there when money was needed (Acts 4:36-37). The response to Peter’s Pentecostal sermon was amazing (2:40-41). There were 3,000 converts! They had all things in common and sold houses and land and used the proceeds to make sure needs were met. Luke selects Barnabas as an example of this spirit of giving and sharing.
Who has been there for you in a time of need? I think of my early days in ministry. I received an invitation to speak during a prayer meeting in a Pennsylvania church. It was a rare church—300 were attending on Wednesday night! They formed a fellowship circle and joined hands. My Barnabas was the pastor. He put $20 in my hand and graced me with words and a book from his library. I was encouraged!

Now many years later, in the midst of a painful, nationwide financial recession, I’m witnessing the giving spirit of 21st-century sons and daughters of Barnabas. Recently, after a sermon from Acts 2:42-47, a different kind of invitation was given. Five-gallon buckets were placed on the church platform, and the congregation was reminded of the struggles of many who had lost their jobs or their homes. While the congregation sang, many gave money, and others with honest needs came to take money. It was Acts 2 all over again. That church was walking in the footsteps of Barnabas.

2. Barnabas was there when words of affirmation were needed (Acts 9:26-28). The conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus road was evidence of the power of the gospel. Yet God had to do a special work in the heart of Ananias in Damascus to convince him that Saul really had been changed. Even greater skepticism was faced when Saul, former persecutor of Christians, was led to travel 300 miles south and tried to join the believers in the home church in Jerusalem. John Sloan describes the tension of this meeting in his book The Barnabas Way: “The folks back in Jerusalem didn’t know [about the new birth on the Damascus road.] All they knew was that Saul was trying to jump into their Bible studies. The same guy who’d been muttering death threats not too long before now wanted to lead discipleship courses. . . . So it fell to Barnabas to stand in the gap.” Barnabas’ task was not easy. But words of affirmation carried the day, and Saul was allowed to go in and out among them.

I wish my Father had been my Barnabas. In my high school days, I was called to preach at a Friday night special meeting. My dad tried to steer me into a career of agricultural science, but God had a different plan. I desperately wanted words of affirmation, but instead I received discouraging words. I’m thankful that God did send me a Barnabas who spoke into my heart, cheering me on.

3. Barnabas was there when a second chance was needed (Acts 15:36-41). The first missionary journey was commissioned by the church in Antioch and had a three-man team. Barnabas and Paul had John Mark as their helper. Their journey had a great start on the Island of Cyprus, the home of Barnabas and Mark. Their next stop was Perga in Asia Minor, a place of rugged mountains, stormy weather, and a history of highway robberies. Mark went back to Jerusalem. Why? Only God knows. What we do know is found in Acts 15:36-41. When the second journey is planned, a major disagreement takes place about whether or not to allow Mark to join the team. Barnabas is willing to give him a second chance. When there is a split, Barnabas takes Mark back to Cyprus. Paul saw a quitter; Barnabas saw somebody with potential. Thank God for those willing to give others a second chance.
In John Sloan’s book, he tells the story of Tom Landry and Woody Hayes: “A classic example of [giving someone a second chance] is Tom Landry, the legendary Dallas Cowboys football coach. In the spring of 1979 one of Landry’s friends was at the Cowboys’ practice field and noticed an older, white-haired gentleman standing off to the side, his hands stuffed into his pockets and his eyes staring at the ground.
. . . Landry’s friend asked him if that gentleman wasn’t Woody Hayes, the former coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes.” Hayes had made the disastrous mistake of punching a Clemson football player in the Gator Bowl game of 1978. A few weeks later, Hayes was dismissed from his position at Ohio State. Landry’s friend wanted to know what he was doing there. Tom’s answer was, “Yeah, he really blew it. But he needs to be here. Somebody needs to give him another chance.” Spoken like a true Barnabas!

Conclusion: The word encouragement is from the French couer, “to put heart into someone.” When you need a gift, some words of affirmation, or a second chance, may the Lord send a Barnabas to speak into your heart, to be the wind beneath your wings so that you can once again soar for Him. Your Barnabas will be a heartening presence and power in your life! Then listen to God’s calling. He may be leading you to be a Barnabas, a heartening presence to someone else who desperately needs encouragement.