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This Dropout Made Good, December 8
Acts 12:25
;
Acts 13:13
;
Acts 15:36-41
Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for I find him a useful assistant.
2
Timothy 4:11
, N.E.B.
Mark’s mother was a convert to the Christian religion, and her home at
Jerusalem was an asylum for the disciples.... Mark proposed to Paul and Barn-
abas that he should accompany them on their missionary tour. He felt the favor
of God in his heart and longed to devote himself entirely to the work of the
gospel ministry....
Their way was toilsome; they encountered hardships and privations, and
were beset with dangers on every side.... But Paul and Barnabas had learned
to trust God’s power to deliver. Their hearts were filled with fervent love for
perishing souls. As faithful shepherds in search of the lost sheep, they gave no
thought to their own ease and convenience. Forgetful of self, they faltered not
when weary, hungry, and cold. They had in view but one object—the salvation
of those who had wandered far from the fold....
Mark, overwhelmed with fear and discouragement, wavered for a time in his
purpose to give himself wholeheartedly to the Lord’s work. Unused to hardships,
he was disheartened by the perils and privations of the way.... He had yet to learn
to face danger and persecution and adversity with a brave heart. As the apostles
advanced, and still greater difficulties were apprehended, Mark was intimidated
and, losing all courage, refused to go farther and returned to Jerusalem.
This desertion caused Paul to judge Mark unfavorably, and even severely,
for a time. Barnabas, on the other hand, was inclined to excuse him because of
his inexperience. He felt anxious that Mark should not abandon the ministry,
for he saw in him qualifications that would fit him to be a useful worker for
Christ. In after years his solicitude in Mark’s behalf was richly rewarded, for the
young man gave himself unreservedly to the Lord and to the work of proclaiming
the gospel message in difficult fields. Under the blessing of God, and the wise
training of Barnabas, he developed into a valuable worker. Paul was afterward
reconciled to Mark and received him as a fellow laborer
[349]
17
Ibid., 166-170
.
363