BE THE FLAME Acts 9:26-31
Posted on June 12, 2010
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons
Once upon a time Paul was not “in”. I know it’s hard to believe. One tends to just assume that Paul was born with an apostolic spoon in his mouth. He spoke and people listened. But such is not the case, which brings us to our text. Paul was up against the deadly triad of fear, faith and forgiveness. Fear you can grasp but how are faith and forgiveness triad “like”? Well, the people were afraid of Paul and did not believe (faith) that he had become a follower of Christ. Not to mention the fact that they could not forget/forgive what he had previously done. Such is one of the realities of church life. It is one thing to be haunted by our past and be burdened by our baggage but this is a text which puts the church in the position of antagonist. She won’t let go of Paul’s past nor is she willing to carry any of his baggage. Ironically, Paul would later write in Galatians that we are to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
What we all need to participate in is the “Barnabas factor.” Were it not for Barnabas Paul would have been left out in the cold. He plays two major roles in Paul’s life. First, as advocate and then as mentor. As an advocate Barnabas did what so many of us won’t take the time to do. That is listen. Which is central to being an advocate. He took it even further when he chose to believe Paul’s story and actively speak on his behalf. Barnabas spoke for Paul and it was by his word that Paul gained entrance to the church at Jerusalem. Barnabas is in every way Jesus-like for this is exactly what Christ has done for us before the Father. “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous” (1 John 2:1). Jesus brings us through the front door of his death and resurrection to a heavenly audience with God the Father. No back room deals here. But the public demonstration of the matchless love of God. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on his will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
As mentor he becomes a guide to Paul. In their early travels it is “Barnabas and Paul” but by the end of their journeys it is, “Paul and Barnabas.” We need to be the flame that ignites a soul for Jesus. Making investments in people’s lives with the hope of nurturing faith in Christ. The Church does not need more “stuff”. We already have everything we need, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). What we need is to give of ourselves. We are the light of the world and that light can not be extinguished, for it is Christ. Ask God to place upon your heart one person for whom you must advocate and mentor. Then be the flame that ignites a soul for Jesus. WHB
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