The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 12 June 2023 – Be An Encourager
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TOPIC: Be An Encourager
READ: Acts 11:19-30 (NKJV)
19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
THE MESSAGE:
In our text today, the scattered evangelists at first preached only to the Jews, being discriminatory in their witness (verse 19). Though they had fled to the Gentile areas, they were not willing to preach the Word there. Some men from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and began to preach the Lord Jesus to the Greeks (verse 20). God approved of this mission and their numbers increased as they believed and turned to the Lord (verse 21).
Barnabas was sent to visit the Church and he encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. Barnabas was living true to the meaning of his name, “Son of encouragement.” He was a good man, a kingdom giver, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (verse 24); he was faithful and encouraged Apostle Paul in ministry. His work of encouragement brought many more to the Lord (verse 24b). Barnabas remains a model today to us as followers of Jesus Christ, who need to be good, faithful and full of the Holy Spirit if we are to bring others to the Lord. In this age where many are discouraged, weary and sore depressed, be a Barnabas. Be an encourager. The joy of the Lord is your strength.
PRAYER: Lord, grant me grace to encourage others even as I receive encouragement in You. Amen.
