Barnabas the Superhero

When Saul came to Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him and rejected him because they didn’t trust him one bit. Then Barnabas introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus’ name.

Acts 9:26-27 

Have you ever been rejected?  It's discouraging, disheartening and, honestly, feels as though you've been gut punched. If we know what it feels like, why would we do that to another person?  The Apostles knew what it felt like to be rejected and looked down on by others, even by those who were once their friends.  You see, when we become fearful, we become just like those who rejected us. The Apostles not only rejected Saul because they knew what it felt like to be rejected, and had become like those who had rejected them, they also rejected Saul because of his past.  Who doesn't have a past?  Who hasn't done or said things they regret?  Anyone?  Anyone? 

Enter the superhero we all need....Barnabas! Barnabas took the time to encourage Saul and took him directly to the Apostles.  Not only that, Barnabas stood up for Saul to the Apostles explaining that, yes Saul had a past, but look at all the GOOD he had been doing!  Barnabas focused on the positive side of Saul and stood up to the rejecting Apostles on behalf of Saul.

Barnabas is someone we should emulate!  

Take time this very day to BE the encourager someone else needs!  BE the one who stands up FOR someone else who has been rejected.  BE the one who finds the positive!!! After all, didn't Christ stand up for YOU?