Good morning. In the more arid parts of the world water that is deemed “sweet” does not mean that it has a sweet as opposed to sour flavor. “Sweet” means that it is safe for drinking. “Sweet” may seem like an unusual word to use to describe water, which in fact may be safe to drink but might also be filled with minerals, bugs, and mud. However, if you are in the desert and desperate to find water, any water that is safe, and you find a drinkable water source I can imagine that when the liquid slides down your parched throat it may indeed seem “sweet”.
One of the key figures of the early church was named Barnabas. That isn’t the name his parents gave him, but I would think that it was a name he was happy to hear. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37
Barnabas became his name, but it was actually more of a descriptive title: Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). What a splendid name, or title, to be given. We read of him again in Acts 11:22-24 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Again, when we read of Barnabas we read that encouragement was at the heart of what he was doing. Barnabas became a partner to the apostle Paul and was one of the most powerful missionaries and church planters of the early church. When people heard his name Barnabas and identified it as meaning “son of encouragement” it is not hard to imagine that his words and actions on behalf of his Lord Jesus Christ were well received and effective.
Where I live people no one spends their days searching for “sweet” water, but it is a world that is desperate with another kind of thirst. People are in desperate need of encouragement. Many lost souls are searching for that person with good news. Searching for someone to help them make sense of things. Searching for someone who lives in victory. Searching for someone who is able to share with them the secret of abundant life today and eternal life that is ours if we will accept it from the One who is offering it.
Like a spring of fresh water in the midst of the driest desert, that person of encouragement with good news is “sweet”.
Are you going to be “sweet” today?
Vern