A SECOND CHANCE!

A SECOND CHANCE!

Acts 15:36-40

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

2 Tim 4:11

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

          John Mark was Barnabas’ nephew. He had unusual exposure to Christianity’s birth and, in fact, one commentary hints that the Last Supper may have been observed in his house (Mark 14:14). But great privilege didn’t sustain him when the chips were down and the going got tough. In Acts 13:13, while on mission with Paul and uncle Barnabas, he quit and simply went home.

          Paul was so disgusted with John Mark that he refused to allow him to accompany him on his second missionary journey. Barnabas, whose name means “son of consolation,” defended Mark and demanded that he be permitted to come along. “The contention was so sharp” that they parted ways and Paul went with Silas while Barnabas took his nephew to Cyprus. Later, while in prison, Paul writes Second Timothy and states that John Mark was once again profitable.

          The scriptures are silent about John Mark for about 12 years. It reminds me of the “unprofitable” 40 years of Moses while he nursed his wounded pride and tended sheep. I am reminded, also, that when I view someone as “unprofitable,” I’m looking at only a snapshot in time. There may come a time when I will be obliged to say “he is now profitable.”

          Maybe you have walked away from some ministry responsibility. Perhaps you have been labeled “unprofitable.” The only question now remains is “how long will you stay away?” God still has a work for you to do and may be calling you back into service.

Dear Lord, let me not shy away from responsibility. Thank you for making me “profitable” to you. AMEN