My Daily Devotional

Is There a Barnabas in You

“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles feet.”
Acts 4:36-37

Barnabas’s name appears in the scriptures thirty three times, and we see him as being a great man with an encouraging nature and one to help and support others around him. He must have had an amazing gift of encouragement to be recognized this much in the scriptures. However this first mention of his name is not as an encourager but rather as a giver, which leads me to believe that he was also a man with the spirit of God in him and a true Believer. He had made a gift that was freely given, and had laid this gift at the feet of the apostles, and was a gift that was intended to help people. This gift was made with no fanfare and publicity, but rather given to the apostles for distribution to those in need. I believe Barnabas demonstrates so many of the good qualities of what our lives should be like today. He was a devoted servant of God and used his gifts and talents to the fullest in whatever he did, and God blessed him. When we compare ourselves to a Barnabas do we see ourselves using our gifts and talents in the way he did. What would we lay at the feet of the apostles today? Is there something of a material nature you would sacrifice and lay at their feet, or would you give of your time and talents to do a good work for people in need? The heart of an encourager is a giver; someone who gives of themselves to benefit the well being of someone else. I believe we must all become like a Barnabas to have a real true relationship with Jesus, as when our thoughts are about others they are not focused on our own selfish wishes and desires. I would encourage each of you to search your hearts and become a giver and get your mind off yourself.