I have been known from time to time to push it with the gas gauge. Many of you have probably done the same thing before. The gas light goes on and you figure you’ve got at least 30 more miles. Sometimes I will go a couple of days with the gas light on and one time it cost me. I ended up stranded within sight of the gas station on a rare but cold and blistery day in California. Even though I could see the gas station it was a mile away. I was out of gas, cold and miserable.
Cars need gas to run and so do we. Our life can feel like mine did that day as my car ran out of gas. We need to get fueled up! There are people in my life that energize me and one of them is my nephew, Kenny. Kenny loves the Lord and is positive that I always feel energized being around him. He is a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with Ewing Sacrcoma at the ripe old age of 14. Even in the bleakness of that day, Kenny energized me. I called him and he came and rescued me from the coldness of that day and it soon became a great story. We all need Kenny’s in our life. People who encourage us and make the challenges look exciting and fun rather than massive and unattainable. When doctors told Kenny he wouldn’t walk again, he remained positive and he walks. When doctors told Kenny he’d need a cane Kenny remained positive and needs no cane today. He’s 23 now, he loves God more than ever and he is a light for Him in way he cannot even fathom.
In Acts there was a Kenny too. His name was Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement”, and he certainly lived up to his name. Barnabas was a pivotal character in the New Testament but could go unnoticed because he doesn’t get a lot of ink. Barnabas is the first giver we see in Acts. He sees a need and he responds without so much as a word. But what I love most about Barnabas is that he stands in the gap for Paul. All of the Christians were afraid of Paul and with good reason, he had spent every waking breath trying to stop them until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Barnabas sees the way God has gifted Paul and he stands with him when others are too afraid…
Acts 9:26-27 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas is an encourager. He sees the possibilities in others when we see the flaws. He is the brother in Paul’s life who gives him the opportunity to serve and disciples him. When it comes time for the Gospel to go the Gentiles and Barnabas is to pick his team, Paul is his choice. Paul becomes the voice to the gentiles but it is because he has a Barnabas who believes in him and encourages him.
People, just like cars, need fuel. We need to have people that energize us help us to keep going despite the obstacles. Where do you go to get fueled up? Do you fuel people up or do you siphon from them? As we continue this week in our series “No One Stands Alone”, perhaps we need to ask ourselves, “How can I be a Barnabas?” How can I encourage someone? How can I help them see light in the darkness? My hope and prayer for you this week, as we look at Barnabas “Son of Encouragement”, is that you are encouraged.
Have a Great Week!
Pastor Stan and Polly
