Sailing Softly

Acts 15:39-41

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Indeed, "Barnabas took Mark" with little more heard out of him again. Unless of course, you count the stray sightings of Apollos mentioned before in the Corinthian church. So, it is good that the Word continued with nothing keeping one from another. See, it is a sad day for the church indeed when sharp contentions arise. It might be a loud argument or a very pointed one. Regardless, for the sake of the faith it is good not to allow contentions to divide the brethren asunder. Paul allowed Barnabas and Mark to go their way; but it was not because they were unwanted. Rather he did all for the sake of the gospel. Indeed, it must have been hard parting from such a dear friend as Barnabas; though he should do so for the one who would later be worth much to him. Yet the direction traveled by those leaving should also be seen. For it is even the same place from which the apostles just departed. There is nothing wrong with returning to whence you came. But no, God does not call everyone the same. Now I know that having both John and Mark together confuses you as much as it does me. So severe was the quarrel that even John and Mark parted company from each other. Mental health issues are no laughing matter. But I must say, Paul was certainly right on this matter. For so highly does God esteem us that he will not stoop to break the bruised reed. Nor will he trample upon the smoking flax of Isaiah 42:3. Even if we were but breaths of smoke and ready to go out, God still remembers his people. As legend and history would have it, Barnabas was martyred. It must have been soon after his arrival at the hands of those he ministered unto. So, Mark stood by watching as would John later: a silent witness to the death of everything and everyone he held dear. In any case, the disciples entrusted their souls unto the Lord who is faithful.

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Is it not wonderful that even when it seemed like nothing and no one was for you, God still chose you. Scripture says that Paul chose Silas. Sure, being overlooked by men and finding no place for yourself is not fun. Nor is the uncomfortable position to which God has called you and to what you have been sent. See, Silas appears almost as a stranger to that region; the likes of which are described in Hebrews 11. These are wanderers in this world, finding no sure resting place to call home. The origins of Silas are varied. Silas suggests the comfort of forest gods dwelling in densely wooded areas. More likely this is a corruption of the region beside modern-day Italy called Sicily. Sicily also exists in many forms with its' origins found in the gods of the harvest. The plural and feminine forms sound very like other common Scriptural regions from which Cilicia is mentioned here. This region is found on the upper but opposite side of Italy. There it is heavily wooded and mountainous, so named for its' rolling or donkey-ish nature. My, Paul is brave indeed to trust God so. He takes with him a stranger of uncertain origins unto regions more dubious still. Yet many of us are still sitting at home. We are too afraid to trust God much less a stranger enough to go anywhere unknown. Imagine the faith this Silas has to say, 'I believe we could follow Jesus anywhere; there are a lot of good places to be.' Much less to see him confirm the apostle Paul's faith; he did this in such a way that strengthened both for the road ahead. How faithful of a God we serve to strengthen the weary and encourage the faint. Here the best of intentions might have died out from losing heart and waiting upon God. But there is some goodness of God coming to the situation, to your town, to your church, and to you personally. See, a lot of people today wish to speak a word from God. But they cannot; for they have not been so confirmed themselves. Some of you really ought to make sure God is speaking to you and not man or simply yourself. Maybe you just need to know you have not held this confidence of the faith in vain. Others need to know that God is not done with your situation yet. Behold he is here, even in your midst to renew it. My, some of us badly need those times of renewal and confirmation in our lives.