Sometime later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:36-41
Gracious Jesus, as this Scripture demonstrates, there are times when your faithful servants don’t see eye to eye on very important matters. Our best efforts at keeping “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” get stressed and tested (Eph. 4:3). Differing perspectives lead to sharp disagreements, and sharp disagreements lead to painful words and parting of ways. This happens in healthy marriages, among good friends, and in local churches.
This morning I’m bringing our current presidential election before your throne of grace. My heart’s heavy, but not as heavy as it would be if I didn’t believe you to be the Prince of Peace and the Ruler of the Kings of the Earth. If Paul and Barnabas couldn’t see eye to eye, there will be times when we will see things entirely differently as well. The issues in this election are big—make that BIG, but not bigger than the occupied throne of heaven.
Help us to recognize and resist Satan’s schemes in these conflicts. That pariah of darkness lurks, launches, and lunches on these very situations. Help us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19. Keep us from “biting and devouring one another” (Gal. 4:13-15).
The world will know that we are your disciples by the way we love one another (John 13:34)—especially when our passions are high. You’re not calling us to be naively passive or aggressively fearful, but actively trusting in you, Lord Jesus.
Personally, I wish you’d return before November 8th, but that’s probably not going to happen, so grant us grace to live and love, hope and serve to your glory. So very Amen, I pray, in your exalted Name—the name to which every knee will bow, one blessed Day.