October 19, 2023 | Miami, Florida, United States | Leonard Johnson, executive secretary, Inter-American Division
Today, I share with you the story of an individual by the name of Barnabas. His name was not always Barnabas. It was formerly Joseph, but because of his good deeds, his name was changed by the apostles to Barnabas. So what can we learn about Barnabas? Three things. He was a good man. He was full of the Holy Spirit.And he was a man of faith.
I share with you the first one a good man.
According to Acts Chapter 11 and Verse 24. What does it mean to be good? Well, the Bible tells us in Acts the 4th chapter that the early believers, they were of one spirit, of one heart and of one soul. Neither said any of them that ought of things which he possessed was his own. But they had all things common.
So this tells us that the early believers were caring, they were sharing, and they looked out for one another. But what made Barnabas stand out? The Bible says, and Joseph, who by the Apostle, was so named Barnabas, which is being interpreted the son of consolation, a Levite and off the country of Cyprus having land he sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet. So this tells us that Barnabas, he possessed lands, but he was willing to give it up so that he could use the proceeds to help others in need. I ask you the question, Do you look out for others? Do you look out for your neighbors? Do you share of that which God has given you? It is so important in this world where people are seeking to get more and more that we as followers of Christ, be more interested in concern about sharing with others so that they can benefit from the blessings that God has showered upon you and I.
Are you willing to help? Are you willing to serve? Are you willing to be just like Barnabas? May God help you to be that caring and thoughtful person today and always.