(Audio)
When he [Barnabas] 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 was the name the apostles gave to him. His given name was actually "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus" (see Acts 4:36). But he was considered to be a "son of encouragement". We can see why in today's reading as he rejoices and encourages the disciples in Antioch.
What is our first response when we see Barnabas encouraging others? Are we dismissive? Do we consider it to be superficial and not very important? Because if that is the case we need to reevaluate. The encouragement he gave the people at Antioch made them more firm in the grace of God at work in their midst. It positioned them so that "a large number of people was added to the Lord." It was, in fact, salt that helped keep the taste of God's grace at work.
You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It was light that could not be hidden from those around them, drawing more and more people to join them in following Jesus.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Christian encouragement is more than mere psychology of affirmation. It isn't so much about what we're doing as it is about being aware of and thankful for the action of God in our midst so we can rely on it more and more.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.
Who can we encourage today? How can we be salt and light for the Kingdom?
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
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