2 - 1 = 4

One of my favorite potted plants flourishes with showy color and dainty flowers; although it pains me, I must divide it often for its well-being. When I do, the transplants carry on the beauty of God’s handiwork to share with others.

“And the contention was so sharp between them that they departed asunder one from the other.” Acts 15:39a

Paul and Barnabas had a thriving ministry, teaching and preaching the Gospel. But Paul disagreed with his partner when he wanted his nephew to join them as they revisited the converts of every city where they preached to see how they fared. John Mark had earlier abandoned the work of the ministry due to the labor or hardships involved, proving he was untrustworthy of the task at hand. Proverbs 25:19 does warn us about placing our confidence in an unfaithful person in times of trouble. Yet, Barnabas could have added that Paul’s judgment of young John Mark should not be a lifetime sentence. The dispute between the two was so great that the dynamic duo parted ways. Barnabas took his nephew and sailed to Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, taking a different route. Once there were two, but two men minus one equaled four carrying the Gospel. Instead of one missionary team bringing their dispute to regions they had before lovingly ministered together, two two-man teams went out. Paul and Silas traveled to areas where people had never heard and responded to the message of Christ.

Paul and Barnabas later reconciled their differences (Galatians 2:1), and John Mark proved his earlier ministry failure wasn’t a life pattern (Colossians 4:10). Paul even called John Mark “profitable to him for the ministry” (I Timothy 4:11).

Sometimes it isn’t easy to let go of something beautiful and flourishing, whether it be plants or life situations. Has God separated you from what you consider the perfect job, your extended family, a good friend, or where you thought you would retire? Sometimes partings are disciplinary. Other times, they are for growth. God’s subtractions and additions are for our benefit and His kingdom’s advancement and glory. Trust His changes. God wants His best for you and me. Blessings are on the horizon.