The Encourager
When I was in 8th grade, I decided to try out for the cheerleading squad. I learned the cheers, practiced the moves, and thought I was definitely cheerleading material. My hopes were dashed during the first round of cuts. My voice wasn't loud enough nor was I perky enough for the squad.
I still may not be perky all these years later. I'm not even particularly fond of perky people before noon on any given day. I am an introvert who is most comfortable reading a book, not speaking to a crowd. But I still want to be a cheerleader (minus the uniform and pom-poms).
The apostle Paul, writer of much of the New Testament, shared the gospel with entire cities. He was a giant of the faith, a follower of Jesus who influenced the early church and changed the course of church history.
Even a giant of the faith needs a cheerleader from time to time.
Paul started out as Saul of Tarsus (in Acts 7), persecuting the followers of Jesus Christ after His resurrection -- throwing them in jail or stoning them. He became a believer on the road to Damascus and then went on to preach the gospel soon afterward. He attempted to join the believers in Jerusalem, but they were afraid of him (go figure!). They didn't believe that he was truly a follower of Jesus.
Enter Barnabas whose name means encourager. He vouched for Paul, testifying to how Paul preached the gospel without fear in Damascus. Barnabas went on to be a huge help to Paul as they traveled to different cities, starting house churches along the way. They returned to those fledgling churches, encouraging them to grow deeper in their faith.
Barnabas played a very important role in spreading the gospel during the time of the early church. He was an encourager to Paul.
To whom can I be an encouragement today so that she can be all that God has called her to be?
". . . he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord." Acts of the Apostles 11:23-24 (NLT)
