Lessons From Lesser Knowns: Finding God In Overlooked ScriptureSample

His Work Goes On 

Paul and Barnabas were a team: a unified, powerful force for the gospel. 

After Paul’s dramatic conversion from dedicated persecutor of Christians to passionate follower of Christ, Barnabas was the one who convinced the church in Jerusalem to give him a chance (Acts 9:27). The pair traveled and worked closely together for years, and the Holy Spirit even told the church in Antioch to dedicate the two of them for a special ministry (13:2-3).

And then, with seemingly little warning, their partnership imploded. One moment Paul and Barnabas were making plans for another missionary journey, and the next they were fighting over Barnabas’s desire to bring his relative, John Mark, with them. 

We know nothing about this disagreement other than the fact that Paul was upset over John Mark’s earlier desertion of them (Acts 15:38) and that the conflict was “so sharp that they separated” (v. 39, NLT). This doesn’t seem like a polite parting of ways at all.

Division between Christians is never pleasant and, when a ministry is involved, it can become particularly ugly. We know God wants His people to be unified; Jesus prayed that His followers would be one like He and His Father were one (Jn. 17:21). So what do we do with the fact that two pillars of the early church got into an argument so heated that it permanently changed their relationship?

We look beyond the drama to God’s faithfulness.

After the fight, Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:39). Paul chose a new ministry partner named Silas and they “traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there” (v. 41, NLT).

Paul and Barnabas’ conflict was undeniably messy, but it didn’t end God’s work. In fact, God used the rift to begin a new season of ministry. The division highlighted some brokenness in Paul and Barnabas, but it didn’t undo what God had started. It didn’t stop churches from growing, either. And John Mark’s role in the dispute didn’t prevent him from leaving a legacy that still impacts us today—the Gospel of Mark.

God’s people will make mistakes, cause drama, injure relationships and even end ministries. But nothing we can do or experience makes God wring His hands in worry. His wisdom and faithfulness are greater than our brokenness. 

He heals and restores, and His work goes on.

Chew On This:

• How have you seen God’s work continue or grow in the wake of His people’s mistakes, conflicts or sin?
• How have you seen God’s work continue or grow in the wake of your own mistakes, conflicts or sin?
• Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” In what area(s) are you longing to see God faithfully complete the work He’s begun in you? 

We hope this Plan encouraged you!
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