Acts 9:27 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.
“Friends and family are two of the greatest facilitators of happiness.” – John C Maxwell.
A true friend and a loyal companion will do everything he/she can do to add joy into our lives. There will be no hypocrisy, fake appreciation or improper approval from a sincere mate. The comments of a good friend will be encouraging and their criticism will be in love to elate us emotionally and spiritually. Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy (Proverbs 27:6). Divine connections are catalysts that come into our life to bolster growth and positively impact our character. Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, spiritual leaders, pastors and godly connections who become closer than family are conduits who guide us in our divine purpose.
The notorious Saul was converted to Paul after a dramatic encounter with the Lord Jesus on his way to Damascus. The early apostles could not believe his overnight transformation and thought it was a snare to trap them. 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 (vs 26). However, the Lord God brought a godly connection, Barnabas, into the life of Paul. The name Barnabas means ‘son of encouragement’. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) (Acts 4:36). Barnabas convinced the apostles about the authenticity of Paul’s transformation and persuaded them to embrace him into the family of Christ.
Godly Connections:
1. Encourage: Godly connections encourage us in our journey with the Lord. When we are discouraged we must seek the counsel of divine connections. Such relationships show unconditional love. They pour out their hearts to advise and exhort us but will never force their view on us. They instill hope and encourage us to keep pressing forward.
2. Elucidate: Divine connections are influential leaders who come into our life to speak on our behalf and to elucidate our stand. Barnabas explained the dramatic conversion and the divine calling that was on Paul, to Peter and the apostles. He persuaded them to accept Paul as their brother. There is no hidden agenda or false flattery in the elucidations of divine connections.
3. Exhort: Godly connections come to exhort us in the journey of life. They will highlight our strengths and help to accentuate our purpose to the world. Barnabas explained to his contemporaries about Paul’s ministry and enthusiasm to preach the gospel fearlessly. There will be no fawning or flaunting in the exhortation.
All of us need a Barnabas in our faith journey to encourage, elucidate and exhort us. Do you have a Barnabas in your life? If not, pray for one.
Acts 9:28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, surround me with well-wishers like Barnabas who would encourage me in my spiritual journey. Give me the heart of discernment to differentiate the opportunistic manipulator from the encourager. Amen
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