When was the last time you relocated to a new community and had to find a new job? How hard was it to make friends? How hard was it to get the job? My wife and I moved to Alma just a little more than two years ago so that I could take a new job as Pastor of Alma Bible Church. The transition had its challenges but I knew some people who helped to make the transition easier. In fact, as I look back, one thing that made a huge difference every time I have relocated was having some kind of referral – someone who could speak on my behalf, who could introduce me – someone who would help me to have that fresh start.
I don’t know how many times I have been told that success in this world is in part determined by “who you know”. Let us be honest – references are important. They are key when it comes to applying for a job. They are also great for helping to meet new people and making new friends. these references though need to be people who are respected and well connected.
There is a story found in the New Testament of the Bible that is a perfect illustration of what I am talking about. In the book of Acts chapter 9, we learn of a guy named Saul (sometimes known as Paul). This guy was pretty highly regarded among his Jewish friends. His reputation was gained through a number of things – he was highly educated, well trained, and was extremely passionate for his religion. His passion showed in his hatred for these new Christians that were cropping up. Saul was known to persecute them. Talk about bullying – this guy was the bully of bullies. Well one day Saul is making his way to a town north of Jerusalem and on His way he has this miraculous encounter. He meets Jesus. Suddenly Saul’s life is turned upside down. He goes from being a passionate Jew to a passionate Christian. The only problem is that because of his past, this community of Christians don’t trust him.
So along comes a guy – a hero really – whose name is Barnabas. This guy – despite everyone else’s fears, stands up for Saul, befriends him and advocates for him. Right when Saul feels all alone, entering into a community that he has alienated with his hatred, Barnabas stands up and brings him in as his friend. what a powerful gesture. Who of us has not wished we had a friend like Barnabas. Someone who would stand up for us. Someone who would defend us and advocate for us.
Why do I tell this story? Well because each of us need an advocate, a Barnabas at some point in life. many of us will find ourselves having to relocate to a new town. We will find ourselves in need of finding a new job. We will find ourselves entering into a new community and longing for friendship, an opportunity to connect. Having an advocate, a Barnabas in these situations is a huge benefit. It gives you an advantage, an edge towards getting started on that right foot.
Of course advocates aren’t only helpful when you are moving but for other reasons as well. Some of us are already a part of a community but for whatever reason have had to work on some part of who we are, some personality or character flaw, or some addiction that we had to overcome. Advocates are very helpful here to. If our life is filled with people who have lost trust in us, or people who are wanting to keep their distance because they are unsure of us, well an advocate, a Barnabas can help. They can help to allay fears, speak to uncertainties, assure them of our having changed. What a blessing that would be.
So really, who of us has never thought about wanting a fresh start? The best way to get that fresh start is to have an advocate – someone who will testify to how we have changed. We all need a Barnabas in our life, and perhaps, with a little effort we could be a Barnabas to others. It seems to me thought that Barnabas while real, is very much a type, a foreshadow, of someone who is far greater and serves the same role yet far more effectively in a far more significant situation – I am thinking of Jesus.
Are you being a Barnabas for someone?