Encouraged To Do Ministry

This morning our men's ministry director shared with us on the topic of encouragement from Acts 9:26-30;

"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus."

Many things come to mind as I read through this passage, but I'll only share a couple.

Paul had been called and equipped to do the work of The Lord, yet without the support of the disciples, he was unable to do this work. Barbaras did two things; he took Saul to the disciples, and he spoke encouraging words about him.

Because of Barnabas' words and deeds the other disciples welcomed him, listened to him, protected him, and enabled him to continue in The Lord's work.

We can learn from this. Following Barnabas' example we must bring those that have been called and equipped by The Lord and we must speak encouraging words about them to others. Following the disciples' actions we must welcome, listen, and protect those that have been called and equipped. And, in doing this we will enable others to further The Lord's ministry.