In Good Company
When car folks get together, something interesting happens. Whether leaving a car show, going for a pleasure cruise, or heading to a motorsport event, someone will need gas. Suddenly, everyone needs gas. Why? Because car folks get gas together.
Car folks get gas together, really. The old stereotype about women going to the restroom together is no different from a few Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 drivers topping off their tanks with high-test before hitting the road. A mundane chore by yourself becomes a social engagement with other people – even one more person.
Our social nature is no mystery to anthropologists, sociologists, and the like, and it didn’t happen by accident. It certainly isn’t new either. Throughout the Bible, people are stronger, better equipped, more successful, and more faithful in the tasks before them when they’re not alone.
In the days of the early church, Paul was about to begin his very first missionary journey – although he didn’t know it yet: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:2-3) God would send Paul throughout the region and into situations that would test his faith and integrity. For this first one, God wanted to show Paul that He was with him, so he sent him with the perfect road trip companion.
Barnabas was a Greek-speaking Jew from Cyprus and one of the earliest Christ-followers. His real name was actually Joseph, but because of his selfless generosity (Acts 4:36-37), his advocacy for Paul’s sincerity following his conversion (Acts 9:27), and numerous other acts of compassion and encouragement, he was given a name which means “Son of Encouragement.”
True to form, Barnabas begins the journey with Paul on the right foot. By praying and fasting with him, Barnabas is already encouraging Paul to get his fuel from the right source. And by doing it with him, Barnabas fills himself up with the spiritual fuel he’ll need to be “Son of Encouragement” no matter what gets thrown at them.
Throughout his other missionary journeys, Paul is rarely alone, even when he’s imprisoned or under house arrest. This, too, is by design: Our work deteriorates when we work alone, because we weren’t meant to work alone. Matthew 28:19-20 contain the words Jesus gave as he was ascending into Heaven:
“’Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” This directive has been called “The Great Commission.” If you have thought of “commission” as something you must “commit” to, even by yourself, it may be helpful to think of it instead as a co-mission.
Someone else was with Barnabas and Paul, and is with Christ-followers too: Jesus himself. When you need an encourager, Jesus and his encouraging words are with you.
The next time you’re fueling up with other Christ-followers, think about being an encourager for them. You may be the only source of encouragement in their life. Commit to getting fuel with them, for wherever the journey takes you. Whether your V8’s supercharger displaces 2.7 liters or your whole engine displaces just 2.7 liters, or less, that fuel helps you to keep motoring and encouraging, no matter what’s on the road ahead.
