HELPING WITH HURDLES

HELPING WITH HURDLES

READ:
Acts 15:36-41
2 Timothy 4:11

Two are better than one...
For if they fall, one will lift
up his companion.
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

When my daughter Debbie was a little girl, she took ballet lessons.  One dance exercise involved jumping over a rolled-up gym mat.  Debbie's first attempt resulted in her bouncing off this hurdle.  For a moment she sat on the floor stunned, and then she began to cry.  Immediately, I darted out to help her up and spoke soothing words to her.  Then, holding her hand, I ran with her until she successfully jumped over the rolled-up mat.  Debbie needed my encouragement to clear that hurdle.

While working with Paul on his first missionary journey, John Mark faced a major hurdle of his own:  Things got tough on the trip, and he quit.  When Barnabas tried to re-enlist Mark for Paul's second journey, it created conflict.  Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance, but Paul saw him as a liability.  Ultimately, they parted ways, and Barnabas took Mark with him on his journey (Acts 15:36-39). 

The Bible is silent about John Mark's response when Barnabas helped him over his ministry hurdle.  However, he must have proven himself, because Paul later wrote that John Mark "is useful to me for ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11).

When we see a believer struggling with an apparent failure, we should provide help.  Can you think of someone who needs your help to clear a hurdle? -Dennis Fisher

Lord, I want to show the kindness of Your
heart today.  Please show me who I can help
and in what way.  I want my words and deeds
to convey Your love.  Amen.
*************************************
Kindness picks others up
when troubles weigh them down.

INSIGHT
The disagreement over the inclusion of John Mark was strong enough to divide a ministry.  John Mark was Barnabas' cousin (Colossians 4:10) and had deserted Paul and Barnabas on a previous mission trip (Acts 15:38; cr. 13:13) and in such a way that Paul doubted the wisdom of bringing him along again.  However, the negative situation produced a positive result.  "Here is an example where a disagreement was so great that the ability to work side by side was affected.  What resulted was a solution that allowed the advance of the gospel to continue, but in a way that recognized a need for distinct ministries.  Sometimes this is the best solution."  -Darrell Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Have a blessed day and week ahead.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace