Someone said, “Bad news travels halfway around the world before good news gets its shoes on.” I’m not so sure. Neither were the leaders in Jerusalem. Someone brought news from Antioch about more Gentiles believing and turning to the Lord. Was this bad news or good news? The leaders sent Barnabas to find out.
Barnabas saw grace everywhere when he arrived in Antioch. God’s grace made him glad. He rejoiced that God had decided to do a work among the Gentiles. We may test our own hearts at this point: are we glad about grace? The older brother of the prodigal son resented his father’s grace to his wayward brother. Jesus ran into that a lot. When he healed on the Sabbath, the religious leaders grumbled.
New believers need encouragement. Barnabas, fulfilling his nickname, the “Son of Encouragement” was the right man for the job. He encouraged the new believers to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Barnabas, full of the Spirit and faith had become a good man. His efforts led to a greater number of people coming to the Lord.
Bad news about the church is traveling fast in our world. Any minute now the church will collapse. So say the pundits. Don’t believe it. As long as the Holy Spirit is filling his people, many will come to the Lord. What is our role? Put on your good news shoes for the journey. Run with beautiful feet to encourage the new followers of Jesus. Encouragement is a contagious word. Spread the word
