SCRIPTURE:
“Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work.
Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.”
Acts of the Apostles 15:37-40
OBSERVATION:
Many of us who read through the Bible each year are aware of this part of the New Testament where Paul and Barnabas, who were ministry partners, have a conflict.
This disagreement, though at first glance, seems quite petty and personal in nature, it was sharp enough to cause the once-partnered team to split. Barnabas took John-Mark (the so-called object of contention) in one direction (Cyprus), and Paul took Silas and headed in the opposite direction (Syria and Cilicia).
Some will "pleasantize" the split, because we are all "good" Christians and we never argue with each other, we're like the Care Bears, right? Wrong.
I think this story is here because we DO have conflicts, disagreements, and debates. As long as the perfect gospel of Jesus Christ is advanced by imperfect and flawed people (i.e., every human being besides Jesus), conflict can and will happen.
How we process and handle conflict is the defining mark of a Christ-follower. We don't know the details of what happened, but we have the fact that they both seem at peace to go separate ways; Barnabas taking John Mark with him, and Paul taking Silas.
This is the last time we see Barnabas mentioned in "operation"; his name is brought up in some of Paul's letters to churches, but those were written at the time they were still together. Paul never returns to Cyprus (where Barnabas left for--which, by the way, was his "homeland") in his later missionary journeys. Barnabas is never mentioned again, but was influential in encouraging Mark to continue on, where he eventually ended up connecting with Paul in the mission field.
APPLICATION:
As I contemplate and seek the LORD in this season of hustle and grind, I look at disagreements and conflicts and what can transpire from them.
Outside of heresy, I think that it is normal and expected to have disagreements, even sharp ones, as we all are wired up with varying visions, passions, and ideas of how we advance God's kingdom. God gives varying gifts and abilities to those who truly believe in Him and are called to fulfill His purpose.
To remain in conflict with "locked horns" over trifle things, sends the wrong message to those we care for spiritually.
I remember coming to a crossroad season in my life where after a sabbath time with God, it was clear that my season would change. It was ego-busting to surrender dreams I had, and thought I had finally fulfilled. But it was clear that my season had an expiration date, and it was time to step down.
Conflicts between other leaders and myself went from loyalty issues to petty matters, it bled into others involved, and the division in the group was beginning to manifest itself. Some wanted me to fight “for what is right"...but whose idea of "right"? And what would "winning" accomplish?
It boiled down to ego; myself, or Jesus. Someone's gonna sit on the throne and someone is going on the Cross. It's either Jesus, or me. I put my dream on the Cross and let Jesus lead me into yet another season.
I’m still here, so I guess I did what He wanted me to do. TYJ. (smile)
The split between Paul and Barnabas was a sad occasion, but imagine what would have happened if they stayed together and beefed it out? The New Testament would probably not continue long beyond the first missionary journey!
Split happens. God's purposes supersede our desires for how we think things should be.
A living organism that loves and expresses emotion is messy, sloppy, and sometimes even divides. It's called "being a living body of Christ".
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, it's never a picnic when conflict and splits happen, but You always have the bigger picture in mind long before. Thank You for this episode in the story of the early believers, may we learn from it and know Your plans for our lives. Amen!
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