Acts 15:36-16:5
Reflect
How willing are you to extend a second chance to someone who has failed?
In this story we see that Barnabas showed grace in a very practical way to a young man we know as Mark. For some reason, Mark had not been able to complete his commitment to continue with Paul on their previous missionary journey and for Paul, this disqualified him from future ministry. Barnabas, however, saw potential beyond Mark’s failure and gave him another chance, even at the cost of ending his partnership with Paul so he could focus his energy on serving with Mark. In the larger story of the New Testament, this investment bore great fruit. Mark thrived in ministry to the point that Paul later considered him an important ally (2 Tim. 4:11, Col. 4:10). In an even more amazing turn, Mark wrote the Gospel that bears his name. We have to wonder if any of this would have happened had Barnabas not looked beyond failure to see potential.
Pastor Lyle
Apply
When it comes to extending a second chance to someone who has failed, do you tend to respond more like Paul or Barnabas?
Is there anyone to whom God might be asking you to extend grace today?
Pastor Lyle
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.