Student Devotion Week 6: Barnabas: Supporting As We Go

Key Verses:  Acts 4:36-37, “36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”
Acts 11:19-30, “19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.”

What do Heath Ledger as the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008) and Jennifer Hudson as Effie in Dream Girls (2006) have in common? Nothing at first glance, they couldn’t be more opposite. But as unique as these characters seem in their movies, each won the Academy Award for best supporting role. Neither of the stories would be the same without their contributions. In fact, though neither of these actors played their respective plots’ main character, this is quite possibly the person who comes to mind as making the film truly great.

Similarly, it would be hard to argue against a guy named Barnabas being the obvious frontrunner if such an award existed in the New Testament. Although, if he were given a little gold statue, he would probably sell it and give the money away! (Read Acts 4:36-37 to see why.)

Every time Barnabas is mentioned in Scripture, he is encouraging someone else, supporting God’s bigger story, and enabling others to play their parts. He is not fighting for the spotlight; he is simply fulfilling his role in the mission. Now turn over and read Acts 11:19-30.

Barnabas had a reputation for being trustworthy, generous, and supportive. He did whatever was needed at the time and many lives were changed as a result.

What about your role in God’s mission? How are you known? If you are a Christ-follower, then you are part of His story now. Are you willing to play whatever part is necessary, following the Spirit’s direction? There are people in your life that need to be encouraged. They need to not only hear about God’s grace, but to also experience it through your generosity. Your life is not about you. Jesus is the Hero. You play a supporting role in the greatest adventure of love and mystery ever known. Give everything you’ve got to make the story of Christ famous TODAY.