A Proven Failure

Barnabas had a young cousin named John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. However, when they were in Pamphylia, John Mark returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 13) For that reason, Paul did not want to take John Mark with him on a second missionary journey. (Acts 15) John Mark was held accountable for his failure.

But God is in the business of redeeming and restoring failures, and He both redeemed and restored the young man and his ministry. We know that Paul came to appreciate him, too, because he said to the Colossians, My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark . . . if he [Mark] comes to you, welcome him. (Col. 4:10 NIV) In another letter, Paul told Timothy, Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful. . . . (II Tim. 4:11b)

John Mark was also Peter’s friend. The early church believed (and scholars generally agree) that John Mark wrote Peter’s gospel account—the book of Mark in our Bible.

God took John Mark, worked in the life of the proven failure, and turned him into a success.

Originally published January 27, 1989.
Picture: Pansies, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God's Instruments

Miracles originate with God, but He often uses people as His instruments to bring miracles about.

When Peter and John were just beginning to deal with their new life after all that had happened through Jesus—after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension—after they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost—they saw a lame beggar sitting by the gate of the temple. Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6 NKJV)

We don’t know if Peter stood there for awhile, waiting to see if the man would get up on his own. We do know Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (v. 7)

The lame man received healing as he stood with Peter’s assistance. Peter was God’s instrument both when he spoke the Word of faith and when he helped the man respond to that Word.

The result was a miracle. So he [the man who had been crippled], leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. (v. 8)

God is sovereign, and He uses people.

Originally published October 3, 1986.