DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HOPE WHEN I FAIL

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HOPE WHEN I FAIL

"Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.... They also had John as their assistant….Now when Paul and his party set said from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem." (Acts 13:1-3, 5b, 13)

Barnabas and Saul were chosen by the Holy Spirit at Antioch to be missionaries to other cities. Paphos and Perga were not far from Antioch. This was the first missionary journey of the Apostle Paul.

It is interesting to note that Barnabas is listed first in the name of the prophets at Antioch, and Saul was listed last. But as the journey progressed, Saul became the prominent one and his name was changed to Paul (vs. 9), and they became "Paul's party" (vs. 13).

Included in this missionary expedition was a young man named John. Actually, his name was John Mark (Acts 12:25). We know that John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10). He was an assistant to Barnabas and Saul – a go fer (vs. 5b). But somewhere along the way, John Mark became disenchanted with the journey and he returned alone to Jerusalem. Later on, when Paul and Barnabas were preparing for another missionary venture, Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them. Barnabas – always the encourager. But Paul resisted taking John and there was sharp contention between Paul and Barnabas. Paul ended up taking Silas, and Barnabas took John Mark, and they parted company (Acts 15:36-40). The good part of the story is that Paul and John Mark eventually reconciled and Paul recognized him as useful for ministry (II Timothy 4:11). Mark went on to write the Gospel that bears his name.

It is a comfort for me to know that my failure is not the end of the story. There is opportunity for restoration and future ministry. So often, I have not been as dedicated to ministry as I could have been, but God does His work in my heart and gives me another chance. Praise God for His patience and longsuffering. My failure does not consign me to the trash bin. There is hope for me when I fail.

Have a happy Independence Day. Love, Dad