Where have your friends gone? Part 3

Two great friends in ministry parted company over one man, who we see makes a remarkable comeback, in the verse we read today. The disagreement was because of this: ““From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.” (Acts 13 v 13) His full name was John Mark and the two great friends, Barnabas and Paul, became divided later when Barnabas wanted to bring him back into the team and Paul didn’t think it wise at that time. “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,” (Acts 15 v 39). That was the last time we hear of Barnabas. Sadly some friends never make it back together.

What have I learnt about friendship that divides?

It happens; parting company doesn’t solve the problem; not many apologise; because God makes things work together for good, it only reveals the ‘things’ were bad, so let’s call the disagreements bad instead of declaring they were right; in division some will drift away and may never be heard of again and others may be spurred on to other things.

But as we come to read this next sentence there is a startling discovery. Writing from a Roman prison, likely facing imminent execution, the great apostle makes an urgent request:

“Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Timothy 4 v 11)

What an amazing turnaround. Yes, it does happen. Time can heal. People do change for the better. The young man who once fled from hardship had become someone Paul specifically wanted by his side during his darkest hour.

Paul had watched friends leave him for good and bad reasons now he reaches out. He wasn’t just asking for an assistant; he was reaching out for a faithful friend who had proven himself reliable and valuable to Paul.

• If you have friends who you know you can call on at a time of need then you are very rich.
• Friendship is a journey and things can go wrong but don’t discard your friend for good. With grace and time they can end up being hugely important for you.
• If you are in ministry then the greatest help you need, is not to be lifted out of your ‘prison’ or some other miraculous provision, but friendship.

Who are the “Marks” in our lives? Not necessarily those we have had disagreements over or who have left us in the past, though it could be those. But those that we can count on when life gets difficult? In the end, it is all about one thing, friendship.