A relational split does not necessarily destine the church to decline but could be the very thing to disperse resources and enhance the kingdom.Biblical Reference: Acts 15
Biblical Summary: Paul and Barnabas are effective and powerful co-ministers of the gospel. Because of a disagreement, they part ways.
Reflections -
Paul and Barnabas were a powerful pair. Acts 15 begins with the Council at Jerusalem where Paul and Barnabas teamed together to teach the whole assembly. "The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them" (v 12). Their testimonies lead to a radical change in the church's treatment of gentiles.
In light of this crescendo, I find the end of the chapter so intriguing. Together, they have labored. Together, they've ministered to the Gentiles with astounding results. Together, they've changed the Jewish Christian's legalistic bent thus unifying the church and assisting the Gentiles further. Then, after uniting the church, "they have such a sharp disagreement that they parted company" (v 39).
How ironic that the argument was over another severed relationship (Mark). Have you found seen or experienced the same? Feelings about a given (or the mere topic of) estrangement can be so strong, further estrangements occur.
It is so good to realize the power of our God. He even uses relational separations to strengthen his church. Barnabas ministers in Cyprus. Paul ministers "through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches" (v 41). What could have been a tragedy of struggling leaders and church splits, instead strengthened the church as these two strong leaders double the gospel exposure. In fact, the reality is that the effect was exponential as both Paul and Barnabas took another companion.
It's good to read passages like 1 Cor 9:6 or Col 4:10 where Paul refers to Barnabas in his letters without regard to their differences. Their differences caused them to part ways but was not used to divide the church... just multiply the work.
Prayer -
Lord, thank you that you use anything and everything to strengthen your church. Help us to live lives following our calling and not justifying our separations.
Where we have separated from relationships in the church, help us to trust you despite our differences in conviction. Help us to rejoice in people touched by the gospel -- even through one who has wounded us! (Philippians 1:18) Help us to realize your gospel is bigger than Satan's schemes or people's faults. (Romans 8)
Where we have separated from relationships outside the church, we pray for ministry to that person or those people. Our inability to change things is so frustrating! But, you are the God that owns it all... the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). All resources belong to you to distribute. Though we are not ministering into those relationships, provide another!
Help our separations further your church instead of forcing divisions in the church. Help us to promote You and not ourselves. Keep us from hypocrisy. Enlarge our hearts for you and for those with whom we no longer relate. To you be the glory forever, Amen.
