- Acts 15:37-38 - And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 - Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Seven-year-old Thomas Edison did not like school and was a poor student. Once, his teacher even called him "mentally slow." The boy came home crying. The next day, after talking with the teacher, his mother decided to educate her son at home herself. Thanks to his mother's love and support, as well as the talent God gave him, Thomas became a great inventor. He later wrote: "My mother made me who I am. She believed in me so much that I just couldn't disappoint her."
In the Book of Acts, we read that a serious disagreement arose between Paul and Barnabas—two men who had been friends for many years and had worked together in the ministry of the Gospel—about whether to take John Mark with them on their next missionary journey. Paul did not want to take Mark because he had left them halfway through the previous journey. As a result, Paul and Barnabas parted ways: Paul took Silas with him, and Barnabas took Mark.
Barnabas was willing to give this young man a second chance, and his support helped Mark grow into a faithful and useful servant. Later, Mark wrote one of the Gospels and even served Paul while he was in prison.
Many of us, looking back, can remember the people who supported and encouraged us on our life's journey. Through such people and His Word, God helps us to obey Him and follow Him.
Reflection
Who are the people God has used to show you His love and support? What does it motivate you to do when you realize that God is investing in your life and working through you?
