Acts 9:26-28 - Are You A Barnabas?

Acts 9:26-28
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

Have you ever had a poisonous snake as a pet? How about an adult crocodile -- or an un-altered skunk?

No? Probably because you were afraid of them, or not sure you could completely trust them.

What would you do if a known murderer sat next to you in church? Would get up and move . . . to the next city?

We have a natural aversion to dangerous things, and once we know something is dangerous, it is hard for us to accept them as anything else but dangerous!

Imagine what it was like for those in the church in Jerusalem who gathered for prayer only to recognize the "new guy" as being none other than -- Saul of Tarsus, "Persecutor of Christians!"

It would not have been easy to sit there and not be worried about being in the middle of an anti-Christian sting operation.

It couldn't have been easy for Saul either. There he was with his world turned upside down. Knowing what he knew about Christ, he couldn't go back to his old life . . . and yet, his new "brothers" wanted nothing to do with him.

Were it not for the bravery of Barnabas . . .

Sometimes it takes someone to step in and bring us together. The reformed convict -- the publicly exposed sinner -- the rehabilitated drug user -- even the new guy in town -- can all be left out in the cold by the unfounded fear of others. Any and all can have a difficult time finding a way to fit in among us.

Can you be a Barnabas?

Step back a few paces and look around you . . . Who do you see out on the edge of your fellowship? Who is the "spiritual" wall flower that you can help bring in to the fold?

It took guts for Barnabas to approach Saul. You know he had to wonder if Saul was truly converted. Yet, he could see the benefit of helping Saul get acquainted with the brethren . . .

Thirteen letters of the New Testament, all written by the same Saul of Tarsus (Paul), show us that Barnabas was right!

Luke 13:24-25 - The Party Is Inside!

Luke 13:24-25
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.'
“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’"

When people get together, it can be enjoyable. A large group of people?  -- That’s called a party!

No one wants to be left out of the party. You don’t even have to know what the celebration is about to have fun! Some of us just want to be “where the action is” . . . whether we know what the "action" is or not.

Here, Jesus urged His followers to do all they could to enter through the narrow door. It would not be easy to pass through -- and once the door was closed -- it would stay closed.

Jesus used this story to suggest that heaven would not be an easy place to enter. It had only one door in . . . a narrow one at that!

It sort of sounds like the door on Noah’s ark . . .  Once that door closed, the best advice for those outside was to grab a good umbrella!

In the parable, some had hung around the house before the door had been closed. They mingled with everyone -- enjoyed the fellowship -- had a great time! They just didn’t pay attention, and never made the effort to go inside.

Now -- once the door closed, they wanted in too. They suddenly realized that the party had moved indoors -- and they were standing outside!

They knocked on the door – they pounded – they pleaded! They said, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets!"

Through the windows, they saw all the people having a great time . . . but they were on the wrong side of the glass!

Jesus brought the story’s meaning home to His listeners:  The time would come when those outside -- those who had seen the door, but never bothered to pass through it -- would see the party get better!

They would see the likes of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and a whole host of other “spiritual” celebrities -- but instead of being with them -- those outside would be thrown out!

Where will you be when the door is closed?

Remember this . . . the door is narrow, and not easily entered. If you have passed through it, you will know . . . It isn’t a door you pass through without your knowledge, effort, or understanding.

Don’t be one who just hangs around the crowd -- a kind of party crasher! 

You are invited to join the party too! So come on in . . . while you can!