Stand for the Fallen

Scripture Reading: Acts 15:36-41

There are several reasons to appreciate the inclusion of this text in the New Testament. First of all, it demonstrates that disagreement, even sharp divisiveness, does not have to mean the end of effective ministry for those on either side. Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways and both had a fruitful ministry. This text also shows us that sometimes it is better for everyone to part ways. Paul and Barnabas were the equivalent of a hung jury, have weighed the facts and evidence concerning Mark, they arrived at different opinions, and neither was budging. It was best to agree to disagree and move on in different directions.

But the thing that stands out here, in my opinion, is the way Barnabas didn’t cave and sacrifice Mark’s future on the altar of expediency or just getting along. He was willing to risk his reputation for the possibility of restoring Mark to ministry.

We know how it turned out. That guy went on to write one of our gospels. Paul, in an act of sincere humility, later declared that Mark was “useful to me in ministry.” We need more folks like Barnabas because there are a lot of folks like Mark. We need men and women who will stand up for the fallen, sacrifice something of themselves for them, lift them up, and help them be restored to a fruitful life.

I can say from experience, not every case turns out like Mark’s. Sometimes we try to restore someone, and it turns into a failed project. That is the reality of things. But I still say it is better to try and fail and to fail to try.