The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 15:36-40, “And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’

37 And Barnabas was desirous of taking John, called Mark, along with them also.

38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

39 And there arose such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.

40 But Paul chose Silas and departed, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.”

Colossians 4:10, 14, “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’ cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him….”

The Apostle Paul was both loving and gracious. In fact, it was the love of Christ that made him gracious. Yet, he was no “push-over.” He had a mind of his own –one that he honestly sought to keep under the control of the Holy Spirit. Still, he was human, and sometimes he got angry. The Acts 15 verses noted above bear all of this out.

The Jerusalem Council had just concluded and almost everyone had gone. Paul and Barnabus were left discussing where they should go to share the Gospel. Barnabus suggested that they take Mark with them. Paul was absolutely opposed to taking Mark! We’re not sure why Mark deserted the ministry back in Pamphylia. Whatever his reason, it was unreasonable to the Apostle Paul, and he stubbornly refused to have Mark in their party. When two partners in any situation disagree, there is risk of a split. And that’s just what happened! Barnabus took Mark and the two of them left Paul standing there alone—well, almost alone. A lone believer named Silas had lagged behind, so he was there.

I’ve often wondered why Silas hadn’t left. It seems everyone was gone except Paul and him. Sometimes we feel that we’re alone, too, don’t we? Yet, we’re not to be discouraged! The LORD has not lost track of who or where we are; nor has He lost track of where He wants us to go. Paul now had to trust the LORD for a partner. Silas is there, so, Paul chose Silas, and they commenced their missionary journey. Have you noticed that there are now two missionary parties going forth with the Gospel? The LORD used the dissention between Paul and Barnabus to create two parties instead of just one.

Time has now passed. The Jerusalem Council convened in A.D. 50. It is now A.D. 61; thus 11 years had gone and Paul is now writing his letter to the Colossians. His letter bears greetings from Aristarchus and “Barnabus’ cousin, Mark.” Whatever the cause of Mark’s earlier departure, Paul has forgiven him and he is now highly commended by the Apostle himself.

Have you ever held a grudge against someone? Are you holding one now? I guess I have to start the confessions and admit that I have held grudges, huge grudges. But that was many years ago now. And I have learned from Scripture that the one who holds the grudge only hurts himself. I remember it because I was the one holding it. I doubt if the other person even remembers the occasion. In any event, the cause of my grudge was nothing when compared to Paul’s. If he can confess and get clean, so can I. And I have!

Have you confessed the sin of your grudge? You say, “But I’m the innocent party!” No, you’re not! Whatever occurred and whoever was at fault, you are at fault, too, because you’re holding a grudge! Get rid of it! The LORD wants to bless and use you. And He won’t until you get “unplugged” of what is hindering the flow of His love through you! May the LORD rescue you from your own dilemma!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”