Barnabas

Today's Verse:

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. ~Acts 11:24

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This morning, we are taking a glimpse at a wonderful man in Scripture. We are looking at a man named Barnabas. Barnabas means the son of consolation. He was a man who encouraged others. Barnabas was the right man in the right place. He was where he was supposed to be. He was where God wanted him to be. He was where others needed him most. Would you consider with me why it is so important to be the right man in the right place?

Barnabas was a man who was pivotal.

He was the hands-down choice for the church at Jerusalem to send to Antioch. A church had been birthed in Antioch and was growing through the soulwinning efforts of some men who spread the gospel throughout the city. The church needed pastoral leadership that could feed the flock, give it guidance, and help expand its influence. The leaders at Jerusalem knew immediately that Barnabas was the man to send to this city. Are you a Christian whose name comes to the mind of the pastor or other spiritual leader as the right man for a given situation? Are you the right person to send on a mission, to relay a message, or who can help others in need? He was a pivotal man.

Barnabas was a man who was pleasing.

He is referred to as a good man. When we say something like that, we are referring to a man who is of exceptional character, of a disciplined temperament, well-reputed and well-spoken of, and has the fruit that backs up what is said of him. He was favorable and acceptable in every way. He was not someone contentious and questionable. He encouraged the hearts of those he was around. He was an excellent representation of the Apostles and an extension of the grace of God. He was the right man for the job.

Barnabas was a man who was powerful.

He was full of the holy Ghost. Many times in reviewing a man for a spiritual responsibility, we overlook the critical requirement of the fullness of the Spirit. A Spirit-filled man has the fruit of the Spirit evident in his life. He is constantly dead to self. His words give indication of the Spirit’s anointing. His product gives evidence that God is upon every area of his life. The work of the church should only be done by Spirit-filled men. Men whom the Holy Spirit has complete control of: men who give evidence of the Spirit’s wisdom and enduement. He was that right man.

Barnabas was a man who was profitable.

We are told that after coming to Antioch, much people was added to the Lord. He was an outsider coming to Antioch. Yet, because of his spiritual life, God blessed with many souls getting saved. He was a not a wasted resource. He was not an unproductive servant. No, he was profitable to the church at Antioch, sinners who were saved, and his sending church. He was the right man in the right place!

Barnabas was a man who was positive.

Barnabas did not limit the influence of the gospel just through his life. He sought this expansion opportunity to grow and further develop the potential in another emerging leader. He traveled a great distance to locate and find Saul, later known as Paul, and together God used them to build the disciples at the church in Antioch. He was positive about bringing Paul alongside of him. He was positive about the potential of God using both of them. His positive outlook was the catalyst for Paul becoming the great leader that he would become.

Barnabas was the right man in the right place for a lot of people. It does not happen by accident. It happens by decision, discipline, obedience, and allowing God to do His work through you. Be the right man in the right place, and see your life make a substantial difference where God places you!

Have an influential God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 35-36

#Acts #Barnabas