A Good Man
Today’s Verse:
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. ~Acts 11:24
The phrase “good man” is used thirteen times in the Bible. There are only two men who were specifically described by others as “a good man”: Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, and Barnabas. A good man has God’s favor on his life (Proverbs 12:2). A good man is selfless (Proverbs 14:14). Good men are a scarcity (Micah 7:2). A good man’s steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). A good man leaves a legacy for his descendants. Let us see Barnabas, a good man.
We see Barnabas and his essence.
We read that he was a good man. First, he was a good man in name. His name means “the son of consolation.” He was a caring and compassionate person. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). Second, he was a good man because of his nature. He thought good of people. He did good to people. He was an encourager by nature. He “exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” He did not use his office to promote himself, but he used his office to build up others.
We see Barnabas and his essential.
He was “full of the Holy Ghost.” Essential to the work of God is the filling of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit’s enablement, we are like sails without wind. We are like automobiles without fuel. There is life where the Spirit is working. There is liberty where the Spirit is at work. The fullness of the Holy Spirit resulted in “much people” being added to the Lord. The fullness of the Holy Spirit gave him the leadership that the church at Antioch could follow. Most of all, this fullness of the Holy Spirit gave Barnabas the anointing of God that enabled this church to become one of the model churches in the first century.
We see Barnabas and his extra.
He was also full of faith. The first century servants of God were men of incredible faith. Barnabas had faith that God is. He had faith that God could do the incredible. He had faith that God could do the impossible. He had individual faith. He had inspirational faith. He had faith that the church could grow: “much people was added unto the Lord.” He had faith that the church could give: “Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea.” He had faith in the sending of the gospel: “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Good men are men whom God trusts with the extras that make a difference.
Barnabas was a good man. He spent his life becoming a good man. Our daily practice should be about being the means by which God’s goodness flows out of our life into the lives of others. Spend your life being a good man or woman for the Lord.
Have a goodly God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 35-36