Today we see in action what Paul enjoined on the Corinthians yesterday. We see Barnabas encouraging the brethren with the same encouragement which he himself has received. The word here is for encourage is 'parekalei,' hinting again that this kind of encouragement is made possible by the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.
Barnabas uses all of the gifts at his disposal to strengthen the church in Antioch. But he is also wise enough and humble to know when the LORD wants to work through others. And so he brings Paul in to assist to him. The people of Antioch are hugely blessed by this team. How do we know this? A large number of people are added to the LORD even before Paul arrives, after all. The text gives us a clue.
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.
The identities of the disciples here in Antioch are refined to such a point of precision that they are now so recognizable by the outside world that the world has to give them a label. This is no small thing. How many of us, living our lives day to day, are this recognizable, this conspicuous? Do people that see us indeed know to call us Christians? Or are we perhaps hiding the light we have been given? Jesus warns us about this. That must be because it is a temptation we face.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
There are so many who stumble in darkness. They stub their toes and they trip and fall. Yet we are too embarrassed to flip on the light switch so they can see the obstacles in their paths. If we have indeed experienced this light then we must share it. And if we are still stumbling ourselves we have less excuse because we know about the light switch. We must draw near to Jesus to be in the light ourselves and in turn to share it with everyone we can.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”
This might make us a little nervous because we don't want to take pride in our good deeds. We certainly don't want to show off our good deeds before others, right? Indeed. But all that is actually good in us is given to us by God. When we truly understand this even the good deeds we do will inspire thanksgiving and praise for the God who empowers them. If we are truly in the light of the LORD's presence the LORD's power will be manifest with no risk of pride. Like Barnabas we will be able to defer to the LORD at work in others when appropriate.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
His arm wins the victory. This is so whether he uses us, or Paul, or Barnabas. We must let his light shine through us just as Barnabas does. This encouragement from the Holy Spirit reveals God's power and love at work within us and indeed within all who will allow his action. And what could be more encouraging than that?
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
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