Barnabus - Son of Encouragent

The first attempt of David Livingstone to preach ended in failure: “Friends, I have forgotten all I had to say,” he gasped, and in shame stepped from the pulpit!

At that moment, Robert Moffat who was visiting Edinburgh advised David not to give up. Perhaps he could be a doctor instead of a preacher, he advised. Livingstone decided to be both. When the years of medical study were done, he went to Africa.

We all need encouragement at one time or another.

Acts 4:36–37 NIV84

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Barnabas

Named Joseph, nicknamed Barnabas

From Cyprus

Cousin of John Mark

Sold land and gave the money to the apostles to help those in need

Introduces Paul and speaks up for him in Jerusalem

Encourages the church in Antioch

Acts 11:23–24 NIV84

When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Went to Tarsus to get Paul and bring him to Antioch

Took John Mark with him on his second mission tour, even though John Mark had abandoned them on the first journey

Encourage

Comfort – encourage those who enduring hardships to stand firm

Exhort – encourage believers in growing in their faith and living as disciples

Encouragement is like a peanut butter sandwich—the more you spread it around, the better things stick together.

Our calling

Some may have a special gift of encouragement

Romans 12:6–8 NIV84

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

We are all called to encourage each other

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV84

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Just as we have received encouragement from others, so we are called to be an encouragement to others.

The writer to the Hebrews tells us:

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Heb. 3:13)

Henry Ford once said that the ability to encourage others is one of life’s finest assets. The auto inventor and manufacturer knew the power of encouragement. He had learned of it as a young man.

Memorable to him was the time, at the beginning of his career, when he made a drawing of his newly-built engine for Thomas. A. Edison. Young Ford had endured criticism and ridicule. Most mechanical experts of that day were convinced that electric carriages would be the popular passenger cars of the future.

But attending a dinner one evening at which Edison was present, Ford began explaining his engine to men nearest him at table. He noticed that Edison, seated several chairs away, was listening. Finally the great man moved closer and asked the young inventor to make a drawing.

When the crude sketch was complete, Edison studied it intently, then suddenly banged his fist on the table. “Young man,” he said, “that’s the thing! You have it!”

Years later, Ford recalled, “The thump of that fist upon the table was worth worlds to me.”