Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul…
Acts 11:25 (NIV)

For over a decade, Wendy and I had the opportunity of leading our local Community Theatre. Over those years we took on a number of different roles both inside and outside of productions. One of the things I came to appreciate more than ever before was the individuals who showed up faithfully to do the behind-the-scenes tasks that had to be done. These individuals never got to be in the spotlight and were never on stage at the end to receive the audience’s ovation. Nevertheless, they were crucial to the success of the show.

In the book of Acts, a man named Barnabas repeatedly shows up in the story. He doesn’t get top billing. His actions primarily happen “backstage” in the larger story that Luke is reporting, but he’s a crucial piece of that story.

Barnabas’ name means “son of encouragement” and he is aptly named. After Saul’s conversion, the Apostles initially refuse to meet with him, afraid that it is some kind of ruse to arrest and imprison them. Barnabas is the man with enough faith to believe Saul’s story, meet with Saul in person, and to make the peace between the Apostles and their former enemy.

In today’s chapter, Saul is back in his hometown of Tarsus in Greece. Since his meeting with the Apostles, we’ve heard nothing from Dr. Luke about what Saul is doing. Saul was certainly not idle during this time, but he is certainly not on stage in the story. He’s backstage, working in the wings.

I was struck by the simple statement Luke makes in today’s chapter “Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.” Barnabas was the one who had faith in Saul’s conversion. It is now Barnabas who has faith to believe that Saul has a larger role to play in this story. Barnabas is the man with the connections. Barnabas is the man the Apostles and those in leadership in Jerusalem trust. Barnabas is the guy who quietly does things backstage in ways people don’t see or appreciate, but who is crucial to the success of the production.

In the quiet this morning, I’m meditating on the power and importance of being an encourager. What a powerful thing, quietly and simply giving a word of encouragement to another person. We all need a Barnabas in our lives, and in the quiet I thought of those who have been that for me along my journey, and I said a prayer of blessing and gratitude for those individuals. But, I also need to pay that forward. All disciples are commanded to “encourage one another” and I confess that I’m not as mindful or disciplined in obeying that command as I should be.

Today, I endeavor to consciously give words of encouragement to others.

If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.