Richard de Klerk
Untold Stories
Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:37-41
Richard re-tells some of the bible’s lesser known stories that can speak to us powerfully today. Barnabas wanted to bring Mark on their missionary journey, but Paul disagreed. On their previous trip Mark had quit. Barnabas and Paul eventually separated, Barnabas taking Mark, and Silas joining with Paul. Paul would later recognize that he had been wrong about Mark. He would think of him as a son, and would ask for him, “for he is useful to me for ministry.” Like Barnabas stood up for Mark, so God stands up for us. We are his sons and daughters that he was willing to die for. We should never think that God is through with us. Despite the fact that we have all messed up, God can make us into something worthwhile and beautiful.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalms 34:8