You can tell something about a person by their favourite characters. Whether that’s their favourite character from a book or a film, or a real person they admire, there’s often something about that character that is similar to the person themselves, a quality that they share or a value they both hold.
I once did an experiment in church to find out other people’s favourite bible characters. It almost back-fired when someone said Balaam’s donkey…. However, on closer look it also fitted the example. Both were super reliable and both were obedient to God. Turns out, even when people are trying to throw a spanner in the works, my point still stands!
Anyway, the point of that waffle is to say that my favourite bible character is Barnabus. He is not often mentioned and yet has a lot of influence. He firsts gets mentioned in the book of Acts. He is the one that convinces the apostles (Jesus’ original 12 disciples) to give Saul (renowned persecutor of the early church, later changed his name to Paul) a chance to say his piece. On the road to Damascus, Jesus spoke to Saul and converted him from someone who hunted down Christians into someone who would spread the gospel. But he needed to approval of Peter and friends, and it was Barnabas who convinced them to hear him out.
Barnabus was also the one who took Paul along on his missionary trips. When they first travel, you find the pair called Barnabas and Saul, and then along the way they become Paul and Barnabas. He brings Paul along, gives him an opportunity to learn and grow, then steps aside and let’s him tale the lead.
Later, Barnabus and Paul set off on different missionary trips, and this time Barnabas takes with him John Mark. Earlier in Acts, John Mark starts a trip with Paul and Barnabus but for some reason pulls out and Paul won’t trust him to go on a trip again. But Barnabus gives him another chance.
Barnabus isn’t his actually name. His real name was Joseph. But his nickname was Barnabus, which means Son of Encouragement. And I think that’s an amazing nickname. Barnabus must have a good standing with the early Christians in Jerusalem because he convinces them to hear Saul (Paul) out. Barnabus is the one who gives Saul (Paul) his chance to spread the gospel. Barnabus is the one who doesn’t need the credit, but willing steps aside to let Paul fulf his calling. Barnabus is the one who sees past John Mark’s mistake and gives him another chance.
So there you have it, my favourite bible characters. Read into that what you want about me. I love to be an encourager, building other people up. I love to believe in people and give them another chance. I like to think that I can graciously step aside as I see someone else growing and give them the room to achieve their potential. And I know that I will speak up for someone I think is being unfairly treated.
The last 2 posts have spoken about thinking about using our gifts. I believe that one of my gifts is to be an encourager. I take joy in seeing others succeed, and I will build people up and encourage them whenever I see the opportunity (or I try to at least – I do make mistakes and miss opportunities to do that…)
So maybe have a think about your favourite character and what that says about who you are or who you want to be. And while your at it (just for fun), what would your nickname be if you were named after a defining characteristic? I think mine would have something to do with perseverance…
One final point about Barnabus (and this is something I admire but doubt will ever be able to emulate). Paul (probably) wrote most of the letters in the New Testament. John Mark (probably) went on to right Mark’s Gospel. Both were given the opportunity to grow and achieve by Barnabus. So, in a round about way, Barnabus enabled around 2/3 of the New Testament to be written. Not bad for someone who is only mentioned in 28 verses!
The Reason for my Hope Blog 