One key to growing in our walk with God is to learn from our experiences. Paul didn’t want to take Mark on the second missionary journey because he deserted them on the first trip. Barnabas saw potential in him and wanted to give him another chance. He felt this strongly enough that he chose to take Mark under his mentoring care to Cyprus. Paul chose Silas to join him in visiting the churches planted on their first trip.
Though they had this blow up and separation Paul respected Barnabas. Soon he saw the wisdom of reproducing oneself. Not everyone is ready for the demanding work of reaching new territory for Christ, but new recruits need to start somewhere. Opportunities to disciple new recruits was limited
After Silas, a seasoned servant of God joined Paul they started visiting the churches previously planted. Soon they recruited a young man, Timothy, who was saved on Paul’s first trip. He had grown and matured in the faith and was highly thought of by local brethren. Soon they were visiting other churches that had been planted. Paul nurtured Timothy for leadership at a pace Timothy could take. At first he merely observed. Then he was given opportunity to share his testimony. Soon he began to share in the teaching (1st Thessalonians 3:2). As need arose he was sent on assignments alone (Philippians 2:19-22).
Barnabas’s spirit and strategy is evident in Paul’s mentoring Timothy, a lesson well learned by Paul. What lesson have you learned from others or through experiences of the past?