St Barnabas

Today, June 11^th, is St Barnabas’ Day

Encouragement: The early followers of Jesus included Joseph. They nicknamed him ‘Son of Encouragement’  or ‘Barnabas’.

A friend’s employer is constantly discouraging her – ‘Work harder… work differently… get it right.’ In the current political climate everyone’s looking for someone to blame – conservatives, immigrants, ‘liberal-lefties’… In churches we discourage, pick fault in others’ beliefs, priorities, traditions…

…My coffee mug has ‘Grumpy Old Man’ on it… If I were to be given a nickname based on my character I wonder what it would be…

Generosity: Barnabas sold a field and gave the money to the apostles.

…Yesterday we had a meeting about our church community café… The kitchen needs refurbishing, the furniture looks tired and needs replacing… Our church’s monthly expenditure is significantly more than its income. A previous minister used to say, ‘The good news is that we have the money. The bad news is that still in your bank accounts.’

…I didn’t say, ‘I’ll sell my car so that we can afford furniture,’ or ‘Instead of going on holiday this year I’ll buy the café a new cooker.’   

Second Chances: Paul, who’d been a persecutor of Christians, was converted and wanted to join Jesus’ followers. Barnabas encouraged the sceptical disciples to accept him. He’s the patron saint of second chances.

Peter asks, ‘How many times should I forgive my brother?’ Jesus replies, ‘Seventy times seven.’ Peter lets Jesus down badly, breaks his promise of friendship and faithfulness, denies that he knows Jesus. Later Jesus gives Peter a second chance.

…In describing people as selfish, greedy, moody, angry I often pre-judge them. I’ve already decided what they’re like, There’s no second chance.

Musing on Barnabas’…

…Grateful for all who’ve encouraged me, I pray that I’ll be an encourager others.

…Grateful for those who have shown me generosity, I pray that I’ll be generous with my time, money, kindness…

…Grateful for those who have given me an undeserved second chance, I pray that I’ll be forgiving and enable second chances