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Zechariah
God lovingly sought to inspire his people to confidence and hope in Him through the prophets. After the people of Israel experienced 70 years of Babylonian captivity, the Lord sent Zechariah to give them a message of comfort and hope, as they resettled their land and prepared to rebuild the temple.
Zechariah encouraged the people to complete the rebuilding project by giving them a vision of the Messiah who would come to this temple and bring salvation to His people. Through His prophet Zechariah, God reassured the remnant that He had brought them back to the land for a purpose and that His covenant promises to them would be fulfilled in the Messiah’s glorious reign over the nations of the earth (Zechariah 2:11-12).
God is definitely in the business of encouragement. And He provides His encouragement through people. Who has encouraged you most in the past, and who have you encouraged lately?
Jonathan & David
Jonathan and David had a relationship of mutual support that served both men well. They walked together, prayed for one another and encouraged one another until Jonathan’s death.
Many people encouraged David in the good times and abandoned him when he most needed support. When David was in danger, Jonathan modeled the character of the encourager. When David could give nothing in return, Jonathan upheld him by offering his total support (1 Samuel 20:1-4). Imagine how David must have felt knowing that, despite great personal risk, his dear friend Jonathan was still standing by him and doing his best to protect him from harm (1 Samuel 20:32-34).
Jonathan and David’s story emphasizes how encouragement in the good times is evidence of care and thoughtfulness. But encouragement in the tough times reflects character.
Barnabas
No other New Testament character illustrates the ability to encourage more strongly than Barnabas. The disciples in Jerusalem were understandably afraid of Saul (who became Paul). He had doggedly hunted down, persecuted and killed Christians.
Due to Saul’s history, it seemed his ministry would never get off the ground. And that might have been true if Barnabas didn’t vouch for him, leading Paul to the apostles and testifying concerning his conversion and subsequent ministry. Barnabas encouraged the apostles to bless Saul’s ministry, and they responded favorably. Barnabas provided the timely support that Saul needed to launch his ministry.
Out of This World Leaders sustain hope by offering words of support. Suppose that Barnabas said nothing on Saul’s behalf? What then? In what ways did his actions demonstrate both love and courage? Think about how you can follow Barnabas’s example, whether with a family member, a co-worker, or a peer.
Consider ways you can be an encourager this week. A phone call, a brief note or personal word of thanks for what another person has meant to you takes little time, but has significant benefit. May you encourage others, as you shoot for the stars!
