Complimentary Story
When John Mark sailed away from Paul and Barnabas, he probably had no idea how his decision would affect missionary work over the next years and might have figured he had blown his opportunity to serve God because no one would want him to do any Christian work again. He was a young person trying to figure out where he fit and for a while was enjoying Christian work. Working with his relative, Barnabas, and the intriguing Paul, who people were still buzzing about over Paul’s 180 degree turn from killing Christians to getting people saved, had to be pretty exciting.Something occurred early in that first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:4-13) that made John Mark bolt. Whatever it was, when Barnabas suggested taking John Mark along on Paul and Barnabas’ second missionary journey, Paul was so vehemently against that idea that Barnabas and Paul parted ways (Acts 15:36-40). Barnabas grabbed John Mark while Paul selected Silas to be his partner.
John was discipled under Peter’s training (1 Peter 5:13) and grew up hanging out with the apostles and other church leaders as many of them often spent time at his mother (Mary) house regularly (Acts 12:12). Both Paul and Barnabas had to have seen real potential in John Mark in order to allow him to join in their first journey. For whatever reason, John Mark could not handle it and left shortly into that trip.
Thankfully that is not the end of John Mark. Barnabas took him under his wing again. During those years John Mark matured and became well known for his faithfulness and diligence among Christians. He developed an excellent reputation because Paul wanted him to work with the Colossians (4:10) and became a very important co-worker for Paul (Philemon 24, 2 Timothy 4:11). Paul saw the gifts and talents of John Mark and did not hold past activities against him. John Mark flourished. The gospel of Mark is written by John Mark as many believe Peter shared the stories of Jesus with Mark.
Have you ever thought that you have done so many wrong things that God could never use you, that God would not want to use someone like you? Why would God be interested in someone who never gets it right when it comes to spiritual things? It is amazing how God is the God of second chances. It is true that rarely does God take away the consequences of disobedience, but He forgives sin and the guilt of sin. If you have a heart that is truly sorry and desirous of doing right (a repentant heart), God wants to use you.
We all make mistakes (which is not an excuse to sin though). It is how you handle those mistakes and the consequences that show your character. John Mark made a decision that Paul thought he was not fit for mission work. John pursued being obedient to God, kept developing his character and proved Paul wrong. Now that was a major accomplishment. I am figuring God wants to use you. Are you up for that challenge?
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