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Second Chances

“Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus.” Acts 15:37-39

You learn a lot about people when you do a trip with them. And sometimes the pressure of the trip and the circumstances of life cause unusual things to happen to people. I was on a trip with a group of Boy Scouts at a ranch in New Mexico years ago. One of the leaders had just adopted some children in the weeks before the trip. We were hiking at high altitude, which could affect us physically. For three days, we had pack mules with us and they can be VERY stubborn. At one point on one of these days, this leader started speaking irrationally, weeping and desiring to do away with one of those stubborn mules. The emotions of separation along with the challenges of the conditions overcame him. Fortunately, the other leaders were able to calm him and he continued with us.

John Mark apparently had a break down on a trip to the point of abandoning the first mission he went on. We do not know why. But it is clear that whatever caused it, Paul was not in the mood to give him another chance. Barnabas, ever encouraging Barnabas, wanted to get John Mark back on the horse and give the second chance. He stuck to his conviction to the point of causing a rift in the team. Both teams went to encourage the churches and the rift was later mended. In fact, Mark was redeemed in Paul’s eyes too, as he later instructs Timothy, “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”

Sometimes trips can be an opportunity for God to do a “second chance” work in the life of someone who needs it.

Prayer Focus: Lord, thank You for second chances. Today, give me wisdom to recognize when someone is in need of one, and the conviction to invite them to take advantage of it. Thank You for the invitation You gave me and for the redemption I have received through Jesus Christ.

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