Psalms 37:23, “The steps
of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Recently
studying in Acts 11, I noticed verse 24 about Barnabas, “he was a good
man and full of Holy Ghost and of faith.” He was sent to a place of
disturbance that came about because of Peter obeying God and preaching of
Jesus to a Gentile. Words of Matthew 5, “Blessed are the meek,” to me mean submission
and kindness. Acts 4:36-37 tells of him selling land and bringing the
money to the apostles to give help to those in need, manifesting a heart for
others. He was a peacemaker. Later in Acts 9:27, bringing Saul to the
disciples when they were afraid of Saul, he assured them of Saul’s revelation
of Jesus. He then continued with Paul in the ministry, taking John (surnamed
Mark) until Mark left them. In Acts 15:39, contention between Paul and
Barnabas moved Paul to take Silas and Barnabas to take Mark. II Timothy 4:11,
Paul asked Mark to be brought “for he was profitable for the ministry.” Seeing
such an example of Barnabas as a peacemaker moves us to be willing for God to
direct our steps.
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