News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
- Acts 11:22-24

In today’s passage, the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check out what was happening in Antioch.

At this time, the church was growing in Judea and Samaria, Peter was having visions that would shape his understanding about who could be included in the church, and the gospel was leaping across ethnic lines in Antioch. It must have been an exciting and confusing season.

When Barnabas arrives in Antioch, he pays attention to what God is doing. He looks for signs of God at work. He doesn’t immediately start applying his own strategies and expectations. He is humble enough to listen, patient enough to watch, and loving enough to engage. As a result, Barnabas got to experience gladness and the church in Antioch grew.

What do you do when you parachute into a new situation?

Barnabas’ posture had a tremendous impact on his experience and on the way others experienced him. We’re at our most healthy when we cultivate a similar posture. Assume that God got there first and be on the lookout for God’s work. Take time to listen, watch, and connect. Celebrate what you can celebrate. Use positive encouragement wherever possible, whether you’re reinforcing something that’s healthy or challenging something that’s not.

The Lord is at work in us to fill us with his Spirit and with confidence in him. On our best days, this overflows into all of our relationships, helping us to be glad and encouraging agents of God’s kingdom of light and joy.

Take some time today to ask the Lord to help you be more like Barnabas: a good person, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. Ask Jesus to help you to see where God’s at work, to connect with people, to celebrate wherever you can, and to be as positive as possible.