It is Not The End
Acts 15:36-39 (NLT) 36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.”37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.
Have you ever been in a situation where you made a bad decision or a poor choice? In those moments, you do not realize the impact it will have on you and those close to you. Relationships can be broken, careers can be altered, peace can be robbed, and the list goes on. In the moment, it may seem the decision was right. But as time passes, one can reflect and realize the regretful path one chose.
In Acts 15, John Mark made such a decision. He chose to desert Paul and Barnabas, basically quitting on them and leaving them in Pamphylia. As you can see, it harmed John Mark, his relationship with Paul, and the close relationship between Paul and Barnabas. Whatever the reason, it could have been fear, pride, or a character flaw that led to John Mark’s poor choice. Regardless, it had affected others and the ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11–12 (ESV) 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
But there is good news. As we can see in 2 Timothy 4, Paul calls for John Mark to come to him, and he puts him to work for the ministry. There was healing and restoration between Paul and John Mark. In the Kingdom of God, people can make foolish or poor choices, but those specific events do not define the person. It is not the end of their journey. There is an opportunity for forgiveness, healing, redemption, and restoration. We see it throughout Scripture.
So, as you start your day, consider your life. Are there any decisions or acts you regret or wish you had not made? Make it right; repent to Yahweh, to those affected, and to yourself. And as with John Mark, there is a great purpose ready for you. It is not the end.