February 11, 2023 -- Acts 15:36-41 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Real Conflicts and Reconciliation

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And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Acts 15:36-41 ESV

Luke, who under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, didn’t pull any punches. His record is honest. It is not good that Barnabas and Paul argued. This sharp disagreement is wrong. It is encouraging to my heart to know that. Let me explain. So often people today have a hazy, misinformed view of what the people of God are like. Why can’t we all love one another, like they did in the New Testament? To which the answer must always be: “Have you actually read the New Testament?!”

By the grace of Jesus Christ believers who have quarreled, even harshly, can find reconciliation and peace. Later in Scripture the careful reader will learn that Paul and John Mark are reconciled (Colossians 4:10). What a huge blessing. The Bible is practical. The Bible reveals what is in the human heart. Then the Bible also shows what happens when believers, led by the Spirit, repent and are reconciled. There the love of God, made real by the grace of Jesus Christ, allows believers to return to true fellowship in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is hard work. It is worthy work.

On another level, the Sovereignty of God is revealed as well. The men are responsible for their wrong-doing. Yet their divisive action is used by God so that more believers are raised up and encouraged by their going separate ways. The mentoring of Barnabas must, no doubt, have been used by the Spirit so that John Mark would be able to be reconciled to Paul when the opportunity arose. Let me warn you. Do not use disagreements as excuses not to work together for reconciliation. But also do not lose heart, God is working in and through every circumstance and through all His people in order to declare His glory and make all believers aware there is no god like the Most High God!

With whom do you need to be reconciled? Are you praying for this? Are you asking the Holy Spirit to build you up in our most holy faith so that you will be strengthened to do what is right? Dear family in Christ, where you see brothers or sisters at odds and in sharp disagreement, pray for their reconciliation so that the Name of God our Father and the glory of Jesus are kept pure. If you have influence, use it for the good of fellow believers and healing in the body of Christ.

Father in heaven, how great Your Name is! May Your Name be hallowed and praised through-out all generations! Forgive us the weakness of our faith and the fainthearted efforts we make at true unity and reconciliation. Such a precious gift and treasure is unity You have given us through Jesus Christ. It came at the cost of Jesus' reconciling blood. Forgive us for our prideful and stubborn hearts which would place our own self-indulgent egos above Your command to live together in unity. Thank You for the truthfulness of the Bible, where people, who were as ordinary as we are, experience the healing work of the Spirit. Triune God, lead us in all humility such that our eyes and imaginations are filled with the image of Christ, the Great Captain of Salvation, and our hearts are prepared, in view of His glory and the intercessions He makes for us at the throne of grace, to repent of all wrong-doing and forgive others their wrong-doing so that together we might rise and bless the God Who tears down every dividing wall of hostility. Amen.

https://youtu.be/R9aDwyS-1Jw
Psalm 133 (KJV) Dwell Together in Unity by Rebeka Mui

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