God has the last word
Acts 15:36-41
36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.
This reflection was written in March 2020.
As I write this, we are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Our daily news feeds bombard us with difficult and fearful information that can make us feel like God is not in control of this world.
As believers, we need to remind ourselves of examples, both in our own personal experiences and in the bible, where God has the last word.
The bible narrative that we are reading today is one such example of God turning something that looks like a problem into something that was part of His bigger plan.
Paul and Barnabas have a dispute over whether they should take Mark with them on their next ministry journey. Their disagreement is so strong that they decide to part ways and go in two different directions.
Oh no! The break-up of the ‘dream team’ Paul and Barnabas – that’s bad, right? Evidently not, as Paul, with his new mate Silas, and Barnabas with his mate Mark were able to multiply their work by going to different locations.
As a side note, is obvious that the dispute did not last forever. Paul later writes concerning what a blessing Mark was to him and he said, “Please send Mark as quickly as possible. He’s been such a blessing to me” (2 Timothy 4:11).
We do not downplay the challenges that many are facing at this time, but I am so grateful that God is in control of this world, and that NOTHING – not sickness, and not even death is able to separate us from His love through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Written by Shelley Witt