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and that decision caused the unhappy dissension between Paul and
Barnabas.
Mark had since learned the lesson which all must learn, that God’s
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claims are above every other. He saw that there is no release in the
Christian warfare. He had obtained a closer and more perfect view
of his Pattern, and had seen upon his hands the scars of his conflict
to save the lost and perishing. He was willing to follow his Master’s
example of earnestness and self-sacrifice, that he might win souls to
Jesus and the blessedness of Heaven. And now, while sharing the lot
of Paul the prisoner, Mark understood better than ever before, that it is
infinite gain to win Christ at whatever cost, and infinite loss to win the
world and lose the soul for whose redemption the blood of Christ was
shed. Mark was now a useful and beloved helper of the apostle, and
he continued faithful even unto the end. In writing from Rome just
prior to his martyrdom, Paul bade Timothy, “Take Mark, and bring
him with thee; for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”
Demas was now a faithful helper of the apostle. A few years
afterward, however, in the same letter to Timothy which commends
Mark’s fidelity, Paul writes, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved
this present world.” For worldly gain, Demas bartered every higher and
nobler consideration. How short-sighted, how unwise the exchange!
Those who possess only worldly wealth or honor are poor indeed,
however much they may proudly call their own. Those who choose
to suffer for Christ’s sake, will win eternal riches; they will be heirs
of God, and joint-heirs with his Son. They may not have on earth a
place to lay their heads; but in Heaven the Saviour whom they love
is preparing mansions for them. Many, in their pride and ignorance,
forget that lowly things are mighty. In order to be happy, we must
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learn self-denial at the foot of the cross. We want no earthly hope so
firmly rooted that we cannot transplant it to paradise.
Paul was not alone in the trials which he endured from the love
of ease and desire for worldly gain in his professed brethren. His
experience is still shared by the faithful servants of Christ. Many, even
of those who profess to believe the solemn truths for this time, feel but
little moral responsibility. When they see that the path of duty is beset
with perplexities and trials, they choose a way for themselves, where
there is less effort needed; where there are fewer risks to run, fewer
dangers to meet. By selfishly shunning responsibilities, they increase