Series: The Mvmnt
Message: A Holy Jesus Community
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Reflection: Alex Bryan
Live Wonder: Zan Long
Live Adventure: Zan Long
Live Purpose: Jessyka Albert
Editor: Becky De Oliveira
Refresh: Begin today in prayer. Ask God for understanding through the Holy Spirit and for God’s character to be revealed.
Read: Acts 4:32–5:16 in The Message (MSG). Note 1–3 insights or questions.
Reflect: Focus on Acts 4:36–37. The Levite in Jesus’ story of the “Good Samaritan” doesn’t come out looking so good. You remember the story: A good Jewish man is robbed on the road and left to die. A “righteous” priest and a “respectable” Levite pass by offering useless pity, but no life-saving ministry. The Levite, who by definition is supposed to minister to people on God’s behalf, who by job expectation was supposed to connect hurting people to a healing God, did nothing.
Along comes Joseph to rescue the reputation of the Levites. Joseph (like so many other New Testament characters) had a nickname: Barnabas. And what does Barnabas mean? “Son of Encouragement.” By contrast, James and John had been given the nickname “Sons of Thunder”—meaning their father was either very loud and boisterous or it seemed their very DNA was boom, boom, boom all the time.
So here is Joseph—Barnabas, the son of encouragement. I don’t think this means his dad’s name was actually “encouragement,” nor that his dad was an encouraging fellow (though this may have been the case). Rather, it seems the DNA of our “Barnabas” was that of an encourager, a comforter, a supporter, the kind of person who lifts other people up. And in this context we see Joseph “going big” in his efforts to encourage others—selling a piece of property so that the money could be used to help others.
This got me to thinking about a couple questions: (1) If I, if you, had a nickname that indicated personality, character, known commitments, what would that nickname be? Who would you be the son or daughter of? (2) Would I, would you, be known as the “offspring of encouragement”? If not the son or daughter, would we at least be grandson, granddaughter, nephew, niece, or even distant relative?
I think the church would be a much better community if we all became more like this Levite. Joseph . . . Barnabas . . . Son of Encouragement.
Recalibrate: What would you like to be known for?
Respond: Pray that above all, you will be known as someone who is in a growing relationship with Jesus.
Research: What does your name mean? Why are names in the Bible so important?
Recharge: Wonder/Adventure/Purpose
Sharing a cuddle, holding hands, and sitting close together are all ways of showing and sharing love. Take time today speak love in action over and around your child. Imagine how you child will remember you when they are your age now.
Sharing a cuddle, holding hands, and sitting close together are all ways of showing and sharing love. Take time today speak love in action over and around your child. Imagine how you child will remember you when they are your age now.
Sharing a cuddle, holding hands, and sitting close together are all ways of showing and sharing love. Take time today speak love in action over and around your child. Imagine how you child will remember you when they are your age now.