The LSU Tigers remain rated #1 denying OU the spot the Sooner nation is convinced belongs to them. The K State Wildcats remain undefeated after defeating a Texas team which makes my son-in-law extra happy! And yes, the Longhorn’s lost again. At least this week it was to the OK State Cowboys. You gotta love a 27 year old college quarterback! And I do live in Oklahoma after all. As if that wasn’t enough victory for the weekend, the Rangers are headed to the World Series! Let’s go Rangers!
Before I get carried away, let's get back to the idea we kicked off last week. How can we serve as the 12th man? Ready to serve, desiring to support and inspiring the whole body.
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| My nephew, Joe, and his little Ranger, Ian. |
We meet Barnabas at a critical time in the life of the early church. Jesus had returned to the Father, the Holy Spirit had come, and the fellowship was growing every day. However, in chapter 4 just before our first encounter with our star player, Peter and John have been arrested and threatened with harsh punishment if they continue to speak of Jesus. We find the believers praying for courage and then we are introduced to Barnabas.
“All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.” Acts 4:32-36 NLT
I am curious what acts of service and support he had provided before this verse that earned him his nickname. However, in our brief introduction we find our first clue. He gave his resources to support the vision. His desire to support was put into action! Scripture is full of instructions on giving. All the way back in Deuteronomy, we find the game plan for God’s people included generous giving.
“But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the Lord, you will be considered guilty of sin.”
This verse makes me think of some advice my father-in-law offered my husband. It’s always better to be taken advantage of than to miss an opportunity to meet a real need. His example reinforced his advice!
But let’s be honest, giving our hard-earned assets is not always easy. Back up to the beginning of our passage and I think we find some insight to Barnabas and the other believers’ attitude toward giving, “And they felt that what they owned was not their own…” A principle echoed in 2 Corinthians, chapter 9, “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”
Like the Texas A&M student, Barnabas desired to support the disciples at a critical time in the mission. We see this evidenced first in his giving, but there is more to learn from this 12th man, nicknamed Son of Encouragement.
So, what’s your nickname?
Thanks for listening,
See you next Sunday,
Ronda
The 12th Man
1. Gives generously recognizing that all that he has is gift from God.
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