1/14/09
January 14, 2009
In studying for my lesson for this evening, I was reminded again about the story of John Mark. Mark was the cousin of Baranbas and joined Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. In Acts 12: 25, he is said to have joined along with these men. In Acts 14:5, he is their helper. This is one of the words for minister (under-rower), In verse 13, he bails out and goes home. Why? We don’t know, even though some offer neat ideas. Maybe the glamour wore off? Maybe the Gentles getting saved stung him? Maybe Paul stepping up as leader over his cousin hurt him? In any event he went home. Later, in Ch. 16, Barnabas wanted him to join the 2nd mission trip but Paul said no. It was such a problem, Paul and Barnabas parted company.
What is neat is that maturity heals so many wounds. Later, as Paul was nearing death, he asked for Mark to come to him, saying he was useful (pleasant, easy). And we know Mark wrote the Gospel that bears his name. It just reminded me that nobody is beyond the touch of grace. Whether salvation or restoration, grace is a gift and God is the giver of gifts. God specializes in cleaning up messes. Look in the mirror, do you see His image in you?
