Heart of Barnabas

Saul, Saul, why…Acts 9:4

On that day Saul met Jesus and a leader was born; that is, re-born. Prior to that day Saul was leading the way against The Way, the followers of Jesus. Those who stoned Stephen to death laid their cloaks at the feet of Saul, Acts 7:58. Because Saul agreed with his execution, Acts 8:1. Because Saul thought he was right he made havoc on the church, Acts 8:3. Wanting to do more against those he was convinced were wrong he went to the high priest, Acts 9:1. Leaders do not always do the right thing. Their mistakes often result in pain and suffering for others. 

But on that day Saul met Jesus and his life was changed. His ability to get things done now had a different mission. In Saul’s case, an opposite mission. That day he was chosen to preach the gospel he had so violently opposed. That day he was changed, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, Acts 13:9. A ministry leader was re-born.

The Ministry is dealing with people. Most of whom are God’s people; His church. Leading a ministry is guiding God’s people to where God is leading. Leading people requires character. According to Saul, now known as Paul, character comes from tribulation, Romans 5:3-4: knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, hope… Character is necessary to lead because leaders must do the right thing. Doing the wrong thing results in pain and suffering. 

Leaders must make decisions. They must do what is right. Choices that affect people. Indecision hurts people as easily as bad decisions. But the leader must make those difficult decisions.  Like Paul, doing what they think is right may not be the right thing and people get hurt. Doing the right thing comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Leaders do not always make the right decisions. Peter had to be corrected by Paul. Barnabas had to reconcile Mark and Paul after a dispute.  

It is Jesus, the Head of His Church, who guides God’s people through those who lead. It is Jesus who corrects, like He did with Saul: Saul, why do you persecute Me? Jesus takes the mistreatment of God’s people personally! Jesus takes the leadership of church ministries personally. 

Often, those who lead make mistakes, like Saul. When they do, people get hurt. Thank God we have Jesus, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand…Romans 5:2. Otherwise we remain like sheep, scattered, having no Shepherd! Thank God for those with the heart of Barnabas.