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Calling For Barnabas

by Chrissi Ellankoon  
4/08/2007 / Christian Living

While there is no book in the Bible devoted to him and we don't hear him being preached from the pulpit too often, the influence and effect of Barnabas' ministry can be seen all the through the book of Acts and in much of Paul's writing.

Barnabas, or as he was affectionately known, Joses meaning son of encouragement was himself was a Levite, however he is not known for powerful teaching or miracles. His ministry was not one that had a place of prominence, however it was one of the up-most importance.

What was the great ministry that Barnabas had to offer? He had the gift of encouragement, he knew how to draw out the best in people and encourage them to achieve all God had for them. Two of the people that he influenced greatly was Paul and John Mark. Both of these men had important missionary journeys, and a task to fulfill that was imperative for the spreading of the Gospel. While both these men were strong in the Lord, they both needed encouragement.

The apostle Paul was a man of great strength, there was so much that he overcame for the sake of the gospel, it is hard to believe that even he needed encouragement. To me this highlights an important principle, that while we are in pursuit of God's work we too may need some encouragement from time to time and there will be people who require our encouragement.

Looking at the world today, we have learnt so quickly how to remind both ourselves, and others of our mistakes. It is amazing how much we remember of our past blunders, it is almost a cure for amnesia. While you may not remember your childhood in any great detail, I can guarantee you that you will remember all the times you made errors and mistakes. This especially comes back to haunt you when you try to step out to do anything new. This is where the ministry of Barnabas is so important. As Christians we need to provide that counteracting voice, the one that reminds people that although you have made mistakes in the past they can still achieve their dreams.

I often wonder whether Paul was sometimes haunted by his past. I wonder whether in the dark of the night his thoughts turned to the life he had before he knew Jesus, I wonder whether the face of Stephen and others like him returned to remind him of his past and what he had done. I wonder if that is why the ministry of Barnabas was so important to Paul?

We all need a Barnabas in our lives, we need to know that there is someone spurring us on and cheering for us on the side-lines. We all need a hand to give us a pat on the back when we achieve and a hand to help us up when we fall. That hand needs to be provided by the Church. In a world that is so competitive and self- driven, we can never expect the son of encouragement to emerge from there. While the world cries out our mistakes and reminds us of our failures, it is the sons of encouragement who will spur their brothers and sisters of Christ on to achieve all that God has for them.

However with the gift of encouragement comes the responsibility as Christians to encourage our brothers and sisters, not to sit in judgment of them, there is only One who has been called to judge. No, we are called to remind each other of the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, we are called to encourage all those in the faith. We are called to be different by the fact that we choose not to judge the world, but to encourage everyone to make it a better place.



For far to long the sons of encouragement have sat silent, they have believed that their ministry lacked importance. This is a call to Barnabas, YOU ARE NEEDED !! Do not sit silent, because as long as you do the voice of the world screams louder and louder draining the confidence of the children of God. Regardless how strong people seem or how confident they are, they will all at some point hit a low and need encouragement and assurance to keep going.

While you may feel that the ministry of encouragement is small and insignificant, Scripture teaches us differently. The legacy of Barnabas has far reaching consequences. While there may not be books devoted to Barnabas, the following passage of Scripture captures the essence and significance of Barnabas.

Acts 11:23-24
" When he (Barnabas) had arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all to remain true to the Lord with all their heart. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."(NIV)

Not only did Barnabas encourage others to remain true to the Lord, he also was responsible for bringing a great many people to the Lord.

Do not underestimate the power of your encouragement, instead use it liberally. Encourage not only those below you, but also those above you. People at all levels require encouragement. If you are a Manager, encourage your staff. If you are a father encourage your wife and children. Encourage those in ministry, encourage those who sow into your life and encourage the broken hearted. Do so knowing that by your words and gestures of encouragement those around you will be spurred on to achieve all that God has for them and you are helping others in their question to further the Kingdom of God.

Chrissi is passionate about equipping people for God's service. Her mandate is to use the Word of God to inspire and ignite the passions of others.

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