Join the Team • Devotion #5: Mark
Dr. Randy T. Johnson
“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions - if he comes to you, welcome him).” Colossians 4:10
Paul references Mark and calls him “the cousin of Barnabas.” Labels can make us feel of less importance. I remember interviewing for a job in front of a board of men when one of them said, “I am done.” I did not know what I said. He then replied, “You are TJ’s son?” I acknowledged the same. He then went on to make some compliments about my dad and therefore felt I would be a good addition to the team. Of course, I wanted to get the job on my own merits, but am thankful for my dad’s reputation. I imagine you have been introduced as your child’s parent or the sibling of a brother or sister. These labels often take the attention away from us.
Mark is more than just “the cousin of Barnabas.” He served with Paul; however, there is more to the story. Acts 15:36-40 records, “And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” Paul and Barnabas served together in many places. Others came with them. In this one instance, Barnabas wanted to bring Mark, but Paul refused. Something happened on a previous missionary journey that made Paul feel he could not trust Mark anymore. Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) wanted to give Mark another chance. Paul and Barnabas parted ways. Paul decided to travel with Silas. Barnabas took Mark.
I do not know if you have had a bad experience in the past. I know that believers do not always live as they should. You might not have been given the position or opportunity that you know you deserved. If so, I am sorry to hear that. Please do not be mad at God because someone else ignored, snubbed, or walked all over you. Maybe the situation was not someone else’s fault. It might be that you failed. Please do not let Satan use past hurts or failures to keep you from serving the Lord. Start again. Get involved.
Fortunately, Mark’s story does not end there. He served again and was found faithful. We see him referenced in Colossians as being with Paul and called out in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” Mark had a bad first quarter, few frames, or a couple of innings, but when the game was on the line, Paul said, “Get Mark!” Mark did not pout, quit, or take his ball and go home. He persevered. He pressed forward. The past was over. Now he was known as someone who “is very useful to me for ministry.”
Own your past. Learn from it. Evaluate your gifts and skills. Join the team. You are needed. God’s plan for you is not over. He is willing to do mighty things through you for His glory. God is good!