How Could You Be Thinking That?

2.8.2010

Acts 15:39 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, ESV

What do you suppose the Holy Spirit was thinking when this argument happened between Paul and Barnabas? Both Paul and Barnabas were arguing, “How could you be thinking that!?” I’m glad Barnabas stood his ground.

This is one of those passages in the Bible that gives me pause; two very effective leaders approaching a sticky issue. Stuff happens. Even the most committed and passionate get stubborn. Even leaders get a burr under their saddle and chafe. Paul chafed over Mark’s leaving (Acts 13.13) and seemingly didn’t get over it. Barnabas, the compassionate, saw something in Mark and wanted to give the guy a second chance. It ended up that both Paul and Barnabas said to the other, “How could you be thinking that!?”

It appears time and a second chance softened Paul’s stance; in 2 Timothy 4 he writes, Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. (v 11). Mark may have had a shaky start but someone believed in him and God used Him – and Paul, who wanted nothing to do with a quitter, said he was very useful to his ministry. What do you suppose the Holy Spirit was thinking when he said this?

Father in Heaven,

You have no “B” team. You have servants who start and stumble but You never give up on them. You also have servants who are gifted to see potential and come alongside when necessary. Help me to be a Barnabas in my approach toward others and help me to see the majesty of the second chance. Thank You for giving me one (and another, and another, and another…). Your Kingdom come; Your will be done – in Jesus’ Name, amen.