| Devotional Hours with the Bible |
Chapter 13 |
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Barnabas was glad to cooperate with the workers whom he had been sent to investigate. He exhorted their converts, “that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” This was good counsel. They had begun well, listening to the voice of the preachers and accepting Jesus Christ. But beginning well was not enough. They must continue to follow Christ. They must cleave unto the Lord. The words are very suggestive. They must not let go their hold upon Christ. There would be many things, which would try their faith, but they must still cling to Christ. The words are very suggestive. They must not let go their hold upon Christ. There would be many things, which would try their faith, but they must still cling to Christ. The word “purpose” is important. Mere emotion is of small account in this world, where life is ofttimes so hard. It takes purpose, fixed purpose, to enable one to continue faithful. We have an example of purpose in Daniel — he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat and drink. He made the purpose and he stuck to it. It is quite important that young Christians should have purpose, purpose of heart, and that they shall cleave to the Lord through all temptation, through all that might loosen their hold or tend to draw them away from Christ.
The passage gives a word of commendation concerning Barnabas. It is not often that the Bible pays compliments. It tells the good things men do, but it says very little about the men in the way of praise or commendation. Here is an exception however. The Book says Barnabas was a good man. Goodness is better than greatness. When Walter Scott was dying, he said to a friend who stood by him, “Be a good man.” Many men are great and not good. Their fame is widespread, and their names go everywhere, but they are not good. Goodness is Godlikeness. A good man is patient, gentle, kindly, humble. All the Beatitudes live in him and work out their beauty in him. He is full of gentle ministries — Jesus went about doing good. Whatever else we may be or may not be in this world, we should all try to be good. Thus we shall please God and bless the world.
Barnabas showed his goodness and faith by going after Saul. Together they remained in Antioch, helping the people. For a year they laboured. This work was successful. Many believed. The lives of the converts were so different from their unbelieving neighbours that they were called Christians — the first time this name had been used. It is supposed that the name was given them in mockery or contempt by the heathen people of Antioch. They were all the while using the name of Christ in their conversations, in their prayers, in their hymns, in their exhortations. The name was so continually upon their lips that those who heard them began in jest to call them “Christians.” But the name clung, and is now used universally to describe those who follow Christ. It may not be the very best of names. Perhaps disciple is better-disciples means learners, followers. We should all be disciples of Christ and should ever be learning of Him, growing in grace and likeness of Him as we follow Him. Perhaps believers is a better name. It carries in itself the thought that we are saved by believing on Christ. It is faith that works the victories in this world. Perhaps followers would be better. To follow Christ is to accept Him as Master and to cling to Him in obedience and devotion wherever we may go. But the word “Christian, “ given at Antioch as a sneer, is now used everywhere. It is full of meaning. Those who are Christians should be like Christ. They should represent Christ in the world. Those who see them should see the image of Christ in them.
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