Acts 4:36-37

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostle’s feet.

Acts 4:36-37

I have mentioned to you many times how I love Barnabas, and that he is one of my favorite people in the bible.  Here in the Book of Acts, we see that the apostles gave this brother, Joses, a nickname. He was so encouraging to them they said, “We will call you Barnabas, Son of Encouragement!”

So, how did he encourage the apostles and all the other brothers and sisters of the early church?  Well, one way (we are told in Acts 4:37) is that he had land, which is no small possession, he sold it, and brought the proceeds, laying it at the apostle’s feet.  So, his dedication to the Lord was evident.  It didn’t say that he sold his donkey or his spare tunic to bring to God.  Nope, he basically sold all he had to follow God.  He encouraged those around him because he was completely sold out to God! 

Barnabas didn’t say one thing and do another.  He didn’t show up at church once in a while.  No, he was completely sold out and it encouraged the apostles and all those around him.  Barnabas touched lives by being sold out to God.  In a world that needs Jesus, I want to be sold out each and every day!

Sold out for Jesus,

Pastor Rich Kikuchi