October 8, 2019
Acts 15:39-40
They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.
New International Version (NIV)
                How do we know that the stories of the bible are not what scholars call “Hagiography”?  Some critics of scripture might say that the Bible just paints a picture of perfect people living trouble-free lives all their halcyon days.  Not so much!  We see the Jerusalem church arguing over whether Gentiles could become believers without becoming Jews first.  They resolved that issue.  Then, surprisingly, after all their good work together, Barnabas and Paul had an argument over John Mark who had deserted them on their previous journey.  It sounds like what my family called a “Knock down, drag ‘em out.”  It was not a polite disagreement but a painful division.

                First, let us give thanks that the scripture tells us the truth about our heroes.  This is not hagiography making every action and conversation look perfect.  Luke didn’t clean up the story or leave anyone anonymous for protection.  Good people disagree sometimes.  God’s people sometimes quarrel.  True, as my first chairman of deacons, Roy Hudson used to say to his teen-aged pastor, “We can disagree without being disagreeable.”  We can.  But in my experience people are often disagreeable -- even apostles like Paul.

                The cut-off in the relationship is troubling.  Still, they both pursue further mission work.  Todd Still says that Paul might be surprised to hear us talk about his missionary journeys.  He lived a life on mission.  Notice that Barnabas is consistent.  The same one who believed enough in Paul to introduce him to the church as a follower of Jesus when they had been afraid of him, now puts an arm around John Mark who made a mistake.  For my part, I would err on the side of grace.  But sometimes good and godly people can’t minister together for a season.  Notice that the story doesn’t end with division but redemption.  In Paul’s last letter he writes to Timothy and tells him to bring John Mark with him because he is “helpful to me.” 

                So what do we learn.  Disagree without being disagreeable.  Reconcile and redeem relationships as soon as you can.  Sometimes the one who seems to be a thorn in our side may be the one who stands by our side at some difficult moment, later in life.  Life is not hagiography.  We are not perfect.  But at the end of the day, we are porcupines huddling in the cold, needing each other, even if it hurts to get close.  
Pray with me:       
Father, thank you for the imperfect and authentic people who carried the gospel to the ends of the earth all the way to us.  Today, if we get the chance, let us love and offer redemptive kindness to someone who made a mistake.  In your time, in your way, heal hearts Lord.  None of us makes it through the Christian life unscathed by scars.  Thank you that you can heal every wound and reconcile every relationship, in your time.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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