new logo
Paul and Mark Reconcile
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
 

c and L

See Charis it's clear that Paul and Mark reconciled 

 

Greetings!

 

Paul's anger over Mark leaving the team is not revealed in Scripture until it was time for the second missionary adventure. Paul turns to his one time mentor, Barnabas, and suggests that they take another trip together. Barn says, "Hey that's a great idea. Let's take cousin Mark along." This statement of goodwill prompts an eruption in Paul and a split between mentor and mentee. Paul heads one direction and Barn and Mark team up for mission trip number two or, should we say "two and three?" We don't know how long the rift lasted but we do know that toward the end of Paul's life he makes an unusual request. In the last book he wrote he says, "Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service" (2 Timothy 4:11).

"Useful to me for service" is an indirect way to say "Mark is restored." Conflict is inevitable in ministry. Disagreements emerging from different personalities, various styles, multiple visions, or different approaches will arise. The biblical model that is given to us to follow makes it clear that even where and when rifts do occur, reconciliation is the goal we are to strive to attain.

With whom do you need to reconcile? Maybe it's dad or mom, son or daughter, husband or wife, brother or sister, friend or foe, family member or ministry partner. Remember, conflict is normal; reconciliation is required. "As far as it depends on you," Paul says, "be at peace with all men."  
 
Prayer
Father, You reconciled me to Yourself by Your Spirit through Your Son. With whom do I need to make amends? Show me, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Take Your Next Step,

Doug's Signature
If you'd like to give to Your Next Step Institute, you can do so by visiting out website:
Your Next Step Institue

Or Mail your tax-deductible donation to:

Your Next Step Institute
PO Box 70519
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

L. Douglas Dorman, President
Your Next Step Institute
843.421.4808
Join Our Mailing List