Jan 23 2025 Let’s Talk About Purpose
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
Romans 8:28 AMP
Barnabas was quite a guy. Born a Levite in Cyprus, his original name was Joseph. He was an early disciple of Christ and a member of the Christian community in Jerusalem. Barnabus was a companion and partner of the Apostle Paul, described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit.
My favorite Barnabas fact is his name. It means “son of encouragement.” This guy was known for encouraging the church and giving it direction. Every church needs a Barnabas. Heck, every human needs a Barnabas.
I like to revisit the subject of purpose at the beginning of each year (it is one of my favorite topics), and Barnabus is an inspiring example.
This Son of Encouragement traveled an arduous and painful road in following Jesus, a life that eventually led him to death by stoning. Barnabas was a man of purpose who followed the God of purpose.
In the life of a Christian, God’s purpose is the guiding force: everything in the universe, including human existence, has an intentional plan. God ordered creation (Genesis 1), is provident over the present time (Ephesians 2:1-10), and has an objective for the world to come (Isaiah 46:9-10). These purposes include the destiny of all creation down to the intimate personal lives of His created ones.
Our personal Savior calls us to work out His purpose in our lives. In Philippians 2:13, Paul tells us that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (ESV)
Barnabas did just that! Check out this heartening section of scripture describing Barnabas’ arrival at the church in Antioch: “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith: and many people were added to the Lord. Acts 11:23-24 Webster’s Bible Translation
Barnabas implored this brand-new church in Antioch to cleave to the Lord. Thesauraus.com gives these synonyms for cleave (v): stick together, cling, hold-close.
Barnabas desired that they purpose in their hearts to stick with, cling to, and hold close to their God of purpose. Why? Because our God sticks with, clings to, and holds us close.
As we read, let’s take this exhortation from Barnabas to heart. His words were for the new Christians in Antioch, all the way to us today: The Church of Jesus Christ—The Family of Families. As individuals in His family, we are to walk our own path of intention with Christ.
Yet, there are challenges on our purpose paths. On mine, on yours. Sacrifices we have made to follow Jesus. Relationships severed. When we don’t want to let go of habits and hang-ups, even though we know He is asking us to.
But, in reading this passage, I feel summoned and buoyed by Brother Barnabas’s words to press on in my journey here at the beginning of 2025. Because I am inspired by the God of purpose, who loves me and has called me to cleave to Him with all my heart, I am sure that all things in my life will work together for His good.
Friend, we are created and called according to His plan and purpose. May we be known as sons and daughters of encouragement, full of the Holy Spirit. Let us purpose in our hearts to be a Barnabas in the lives of others this day, this New Year, and always.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:11 NIV
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