Along Paul's journey, there were many men who walked with him through the ministry. I have often wondered where I would have fallen if I had been alive back then. Would I be one of the faithful who helped Paul along the way? Or, could I have been a stumbling stone that knocked others off the path?
There was Luke, the Beloved Physician, who stayed by Paul almost until the end. And there was Timothy who was trained by Paul to take over discipling those who turned to Christ. There were Aquilla and Priscilla who ministered to Paul and helped Apollos. And many others.
I want to focus on two whom I think are like many Christians today.
The first is Demas. He's mentioned 3 times in the Bible. The first two are where Paul extends his greetings to others in the church. He is working with Paul, the first man to have a missionary movement. He is learning from the guy who was taught by Gamaliel and then by the Lord Himself!
But, the third time he's mentioned in II Timothy 4:10a- For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; He's turned his back on the ministry.
What happened? He was with one of the greatest evangelists to ever preach and he found something in the world that he wanted more.
I see many Christians today like him. They start out on fire for God, and slowly learn to desire what Satan dangles in front of them.
The next man is John Mark. He shows up in Acts just after Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey. In Acts 12, as Paul and Barnabas were leaving on their second trek, they take John Mark with them. He didn't last long though, before he was returning home and abandoning the missionary duo.
In Acts 15:37, he wants to go again- And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul didn't want a quitter coming along to drop out again. The argument over this one boy caused the missionary duo to split. Acts 15:39-40- And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Things didn't look too good for John Mark. Even Paul thought he would be worthless in the ministry. But, there was another man named Barnabas who saw some potential in this young man. And he was willing to look past his mistakes to disciple him in the way.
The last mention of John Mark is in II Timothy 4:11- Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. Paul had completely changed his mind about John Mark. He finally saw what Barnabas could see all along and told Timothy, "He's profitable."
It really doesn't matter how you start. What matters is how you finish!
The Corinthians couldn't see that. They argued in I Corinthians 1:12- Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. It's not the man! It's the God behind him. The man will make mistakes, or quit, or find something else to love. The man may fall down and need someone to guide him. But, the God that the man serves is the same one that Paul served.
What is inside of you? Are you loving something more than God? Did you quit somewhere along the way? Do other's look at you and see someone who is worthless to the ministry?
I Samuel 16:7b- for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Ask yourself what God sees! And have to courage to be what God sees, not what man thinks he sees.
