I’m sure many of you are familiar with Barnabas, of New Testament fame. His very name means “son of a prophet,” according to my sources. If that’s accurate, his  father must have been a great man, godly to the core. And very learned in the art of encouragement!

The first three times we meet Barnabas in the New Testament, he is encouraging someone! From the suffering early Church … to the neophyte Apostle Paul! This man was a “supporting” Believer. (The ministry of “helping!”) He easily could have written these words: “Exhort (encourage) one another daily!” Hebrews 3:13

He came to mind earlier this morning as I prepared for today’s Lesson here on the Website. Except Barnabas is not yet the focus, rather a man named Shechaniah and his co-laborers. They told Ezra, concerning a problem among the Jews at Jerusalem (well, throughout the whole little nation for that matter) … “Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.” Ezra 10:4

Ezra, “get up.” (In Hebrew “arise,” spelled “qum.”) It’s time to “do something” about all these sinful alliances in Judah!

Then the noun “matter” translates “dabar,” a “word” must be spoken. We need a leader! And Ezra, you are the (God-chosen, appointed) man!

But you will not have to act alone. “We also will be with thee.” The emphatic preposition “with” is spelled “im,” a word indicating “companionship” first, and then “fellowship!”

Then a preventive piece of advice … “Be of good courage.” And here “chazaq” means “to be hardened, to be strong,” in the sense of battle prepared! Additionally, it is rendered “to prevail” (to win the victory) exactly 10 times in the King James Bible. Wow!

Then finally, “Do it.” The verb here is “asah,” As a command, an imperative! Go out and “accomplish” the task at hand! Still implied, we will be by your side!

Amazing!

Thorough, too!

Folks, this is as good an example of exhortation, encouragement, loyalty as I’ve seen in the Old Testament in quite some time! (Another one; godly Barzillai’s overwhelming kindness to King David as he fled Jerusalem during the Absalom revolt!)

Helping others who also name the name of Christ!

What a noble goal for every single Christian!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

And now, we better know how to do that!