The Ministry of Making Room

Imagine Saul standing among people who remembered what he had done to the church. He wanted to join the disciples in Jerusalem. They were afraid of him, and they had reason to be. Who would walk across that room first?

Barnabas made an introduction

In Acts 9:26–28, three words tell us where biblical encouragement began: “Barnabas took him.” Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles and told them about Saul’s encounter with the Lord and his bold preaching in Damascus. He gave the apostles something concrete to consider. Soon Saul was coming and going among them.

Sometimes we see a person standing alone after service and think, “Somebody ought to speak to him.” Barnabas gives us a better question to ask ourselves: “Whom could I introduce him to?” A visitor who has met one person has one familiar face to look for next Sunday.

He remembered Saul when there was work to do

Later, in Acts 11:22–26, Barnabas saw what God was doing in Antioch. Then he went to Tarsus to find Saul. The two spent a year teaching the people together. Barnabas had remembered the man he once spoke up for. When the opportunity came, he went looking for him.

Think of someone who quietly offered to help a few weeks ago. What would it mean to call that person by name and say, “Would you sit with me at Bible study?” Or, “I remember you offered to help. Could we set up the room together?” An invitation with a time and a place gives someone a way to say yes.

One name for this week

Before the next service, pray, “Lord Jesus, help me notice someone I usually walk past.” Then follow through. Learn a name. Introduce two people. Leave a note that mentions the particular kindness you saw. Next week, look for that person again.

At Apostolic Life Tabernacle in San Jose, our weekly service schedule includes Wednesday Bible study at 7:30 p.m. If you will be joining us for the first time, you can plan your visit. We’d be glad to meet you.`