David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 12:18-25

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

²⁰ Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. ²¹ On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. ²² And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” ²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

One particular professor I had at the seminary was a very rigid and tough grader. You had to have the exact phrase and wording for his fill-in-the-blank tests. One word wrong: Whole question wrong. I was stymied. I remembered the concepts, but not always the exact words. (Not much has changed in that arena over the years!) At the same time, I was tagged as needing some help with some basic study skills, and a fourth-year seminarian was assigned to help me.

He was a tremendous help. He pointed out some things about my study and reading habits that I needed to overcome. And when I mentioned having issues with that particular professor’s tests, he helped me study, pointing out likely test questions and proper wording for the answers. (Just so you know, I truly did get the concepts and eventually even learned why the wording was actually important – not just an exercise in pickiness.) That classmate was an encourager and someone who helped me face some facts I needed to face.

I think that’s what accountability is all about. Helping people face facts they need to face – for their good and blessing. Add to that encouragement and you have the twin blessings of partnerships. Accountability and encouragement are the stuff of biblical partnership and faithful living. They are the grace and truth of relationships. They are the equivalent of the famous Stockdale Paradox dynamics of facing the brutal facts and holding on to hope.

Barnabas, Peter, and John Mark will engage each other in these dynamics in the years to come. They will set out for mission trips. There will come a time when Barnabas and Paul challenge each other about what it takes to be in mission. Barnabas will take John Mark and Paul will take Silas at that point. This iron-sharpening-iron moment will give way to the balm of brotherly love some time later. Truth and grace. Reality and hope. Accountability and encouragement. These twin blessings of true fellowship make us stronger and more effective in our lives and service in Christ’s kingdom.

Which do you need today? Is there someone to whom you can turn for just that gracious touch? Is there someone you know who needs that gracious touch?