[Anglican Devotional 30 January 2023] Topic: Give Someone A Second Chance
TOPIC: Give Someone A Second Chance
READ: Acts 15:30-41 (AMP)
So when [the messengers] were sent off, they went down to Antioch; and having assembled the congregation, they delivered the letter.
And when they read it, the people rejoiced at the consolation and encouragement [it brought them].
And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God), urged and warned and consoled and encouraged the brethren with many words and strengthened them.
And after spending some time there, they were sent back by the brethren with [the greeting] peace to those who had sent them.
However, Silas decided to stay on there.
But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch and with many others also continued teaching and proclaiming the good news, the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in God’s kingdom].
And after some time Paul said to Barnabas, Come, let us go back and again visit and help and minister to the brethren in every town where we made known the message of the Lord, and see how they are getting along.
Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark [his near relative].
But Paul did not think it best to have along with them the one who had quit and deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.
And there followed a sharp disagreement between them, so that they separated from each other, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
But Paul selected Silas and set out, being commended by the brethren to the grace (the favor and mercy) of the Lord.
And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, establishing and strengthening the churches.
THE MESSAGE:
The resolution of the Jerusalem Council was very important. Judas and Silas who were prophets (verse 32), were sent to Antioch where they delivered the letter and they also encouraged and strengthened the believers there. The sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas because of John Mark led to Paul and Barnabas parting ways. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus while Paul took Silas and departed after being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.
Barnabas was ready to give John Mark a second chance. This helped John Mark to get matured that Paul later saw the need to continue with Mark against his earlier position (2 Timothy 4:11). As believers, we may disagree but should not quarrel. Our primary aim while preaching should be to encourage, strengthen and motivate others with the word. Please do not condemn people while preaching. Again, in our relationship with other believers, we should respect each other’s views and ensure that what guides our opinion is the central interest of the gospel. Where disagreement occurs, we should settle it in love and forgive as people that are running the same race. Do same in family disputes. Give someone a second chance today.
PRAYER: Give me the grace O Lord, to do Your will always.
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