When Words Become Action

Scripture: Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37

Application: As the early church is sharing their wealth with each other to advance the good news, Barnabas is held up as one example of a person selling their land to fund the church. Barnabas will be a mainstay of the early church, going on to be the apostle commissioned with Paul as the joint missionaries to gentiles, directly mentioned many times in Paul's letters, and potentially himself even the author of the book of Hebrews.

Yet his name is Joseph. He is given the name Barnabas, as we see meaning "son of encouragement." Imagine being SO positive and upbeat - during a time of fear and unknown about the future - that everyone just decides to call you 'encouragement'! As everyone is a bit worried about officials being angry with their new gatherings, tentative about how to publicly speak for the first time, ultimately concerned about getting arrested, flogged, and even killed for their beliefs in Jesus ... this young man is just there telling everyone how awesome they're doing, pointing out their good actions, pronouncing their best qualities, and motivating them to be strong.

Barnabas was full of uplifting words. However, in this passage, he steps into his faith and sacrifices his earthly security for this kingdom mission. His own work and strength will grow and grow from there, but it was this moment that his words became action ... that his talking about how great everyone was doing, became him doing something great. And God saw it.

Observation: I am often just a person who speaks words, and most of the time not even good and encouraging words. I talk about my faith, about work and service, and about what's going on at church. I don't do enough.

Sure, I do some, and I could say I do more than most. However, that's dangerously close to justification through acts, which isn't a 'thing'. There isn't a timeclock or goal chart that shows who does 'enough' work for Jesus and who doesn't. There is only this ... all kinds of work to be done, people doing it, and others talking about that work and those people. Good, encouraging talk is valuable - even honorable - but so is the doing.

Prayer: Lord, I do some. I don't need to list anything, because you see it, and no matter how much I would list it would fall short because there is so much to do for your kingdom and your people and your church and for you. I desire joy in serving you; in serving you all the more. I know both the service and the joy are choices. May I stop talking and choose action. Amen.