Acts 4:36-37
“For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.”
We live in an era where people seem to delight in glorying in the gory. The more gross it is the better they like it, or at least spend more and more time watching or reading about it.
It seems that times have not changed all that much. Barnabas lived in the days of the early church when it was often a death sentence to be associated with the followers of Jesus. The religious leaders were zealous about stamping out the fledgling church.
Into this toxic atmosphere we are introduced to a wonderful man by the name of Barnabas. Actually that was not the name he was given at birth. He was named Joseph. The reason he was given the nickname Barnabas was because it meant; Son of Encouragement. That in itself tells us what he was like. HE WAS AN ENCOURAGER!
What nickname would people give you? Do you lift people up or pour rain on their parade. Do you leave them encouraged or discouraged when you depart? Are the happier to see you come or have you go? IT IS GETTING QUIET IN HERE, ISN’T IT?!?! MORE TOMORROW – – –
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil