Title: The Unforgotten Person/Acts 4:32-37
Do you know the man of righteousness in the Bible? He is Jonathan the son of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Even though he may not have done anything great, it breaks our hearts every time we think of this man. Jonathan's rival for the kingship was removed when David died, and he could have easily become a king, but he abandoned the throne and chose a friend because one person was more important to him than the king. He lived a life that showed how much a friend is more valuable than achievement or courage. (Do you have friends like this these days?)
Do you know who the humble man highly valued by Jesus is? That is John the Baptist. As the last prophet of Israel, everyone came out before his cry to repent, be baptized, and start a new life. He was clearly a hero of his time and a spiritual supporter. But as soon as Jesus ascended, the crowds that followed John began to follow him. At this time, one of John's disciples said: In today's language, it's easy to say, "Teacher, is this okay? Even your disciples are following Jesus." Inverted, it would mean, "Aren't you even jealous of your teacher?" (If your new neighbor is doing better, you will). At this time, John the Baptist tells the famous story. “He must increase and I must decrease.” The main character is that person, and he is just playing in the field. This was John's answer. Why is he still our religious example today, after so many years? I know that it is because of the humility of faith that centered on the glory of God rather than human ambition.
Dear saints, In today's text, what kind of person is Barnabas a person you can't forget and someone you miss?
1. Why is Barnabas unforgettable?
1) Because he was a man of dedication (37).
The times we live in are too computational and calculating. It is an era where people turn their backs on small gains and losses. I miss Barnabas, who transcended calculations in times like these, and who was willing to devote himself to higher values. In verses 36-37 of the text, there is a scene where the saints sell their fields and donate them for church ministry. At that time and at this time, there seems to have been no such thing as a certain property like real estate. It is recorded that this man Barnabas also sold his field and dedicated it to God.
The reason why the early church in Jerusalem was not poor even though it was poor was because of the devotion of these people. So the Jerusalem believers were poor, but they were able to live abundantly. This abundance was brought about through the example of people like Barnabas. His name was originally Joseph, but people gave him the nickname “Barnabas” (verse 36), which means “son of encouragement” or “one who counsels and comforts.” Many people who were counseled, comforted, and helped by Barnabas gave this nickname.
2) Because he was a person who builds up people (Acts 9:27)
Because the board of directors where you and I live is a competitive society, it has become a society where achievement is the highest goal. Because of this, wars are being waged in all spheres of society. War for entrance exams, war for employment, competition for survival, competition for export, war for work... We are already living in a war. What is really serious in such a situation is the greater problem of the loss of humanity, in which, as we pursue only goals, our humanity is trampled down and humans are reduced to merely means to an end. In this age, the story of Barnabas in Acts 9 teaches us a great lesson.
This attitude of Barnabas toward men was the same not only in Paul's case, but also in all men. It was the same with the conflict of opinion with Paul about Mark recorded in Acts 15. Barnabas, who wanted to take Mark again, who had left during the first missionary journey, and Paul, who said that he could not take such a person, was at odds with each other. Barnabas zealously defends Mark. "Shouldn't we give this person one more chance? How can you judge a person by one mistake? Rather, you might be more zealous because of that mistake? So, let's take Mark too." But in the end, Paul took Silas with him, and Barnabas went on a missionary journey with Mark.
In the distant future, Mark became a good man, as Barnabas had said. In Paul's confession to Mark in his later years, he became such a wonderful person that Paul said, "I need a co-worker for this gospel ministry, so please send me Mark." What would have happened if Barnabas had not protected Mark then?
Today, humanity is changing dramatically. Humans have been reduced to a means of achieving goals. They slander, criticize and ridicule each other, even within the church. Dear saints, how much do you miss Barnabas? In this situation, would you not live with Barnabas?
3) It is because of the faith that seeks the glory of God.
Interestingly, however, we can see the change in the notation of Paul and Barnabas in the book of Acts. Before chapter 11, "Barnabas and Saul" was written, but after this it is changed to "Paul and Barnabas." We can see that the main body of the World Mission Committee is moving from Barnabas to Paul. However, in this process, Barnabas's complaints and resentment are not seen at all. He is slowly disappearing with pleasure in silence. This man, who was not at all dissatisfied that Paul succeeded him and continued to carry out God's work, was completely for the glory of God. Barnabas, who wanted the Lord's work to be more active than his popularity, face, and goals, don't you miss such a person?
Barnabas, a man who lived, “If the kingdom of God can be expanded, if the Church of the Lord can be revitalized, we will serve the Lord without name and without light.” Receiving, this was not his primary concern. He was the only one who wanted the work of the Lord to be revitalized. The man who wanted the name of Jesus Christ to win. He was a man who wanted the glory of God to appear. Many people wanted to be saved. And it was Barnabas who wanted them to mature as disciples of Christ. In order to achieve this purpose, the self may quietly disappear.
Perhaps, if there is a person the Korean church needs more than today, it may be Barnabas rather than Paul. How many people do you need to serve like Barnabas in this age when everyone wants to be a leader? What are the great positions? Who is a great person? Please remember that this is a great position only when you are silently carrying out the task without name and without light in the place where God has called and established you. He knew very well that he could not be Paul. However, this man Barnabas who knew that it was his mission to find Paul and build him up.
Not all of us can be Paul. Although we may not be Paul who preaches the gospel by traveling around the world three times, at least we can become Barnabas. Lifting up a fallen person, he said, "Saint, you must get up." "Good job, butler." "Evangelist, give me strength." Through these words, you can become a Barnabas who makes workers like Paul. Our church also needs Paul. But we also need more Barnabas. Wouldn't you like to become an unforgettable person like this Barnabas?