Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
November 12, 2017

Moses, Son of Encouragement
by Bryan Gibson
Acts 4 introduces us to a man named Joses, or Joseph, better known to us by the name the apostles gave him, Barnabas, “which is translated Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Barnabas was really good at encouraging others, but so were some other Bible characters. Moses, among others, really stands out, because for him to become a son of encouragement, he had to overcome a rather large obstacle.
Moses was greatly discouraged, understandably so. “You shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12)—that’s what the Lord told Moses after he sinned at Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-11). Moses pleaded with the Lord to let him cross over to the promised land, to which the Lord replied, “Enough of that! Speak no more to Me of this matter. Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift your eyes toward the west, the north, the south, and the east; behold it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordan” (Deuteronomy 3:23-27).
But that’s not all the Lord said. He still had a job for Moses to do. “Command Joshua, and encourage HIM and strengthen HIM; for HE shall go over before this people and HE shall cause them to inherit the land which you will see” (Deuteronomy 3:28). Talk about a tough task! Get over your own discouragement, and then encourage the very man appointed to take your place, the man who gets to do what you had longed to do.
Lesser men might have balked, might have given way to bitterness and envy, but not Moses. “Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed’” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
Application
There’s no shame in being the “encouragee”—the one who receives encouragement, but Jesus did say, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Eventually, we need to escape from the doldrums (“enough of that!”) and become an encourager. Other folks need us, too, and the encouragement we give them may be just the therapy we need for our own discouragement. Besides, we’ve already got a pretty good idea of what to say and do, from what others have said and done for us.
How do we handle it when we’re “passed over” for some important spiritual responsibility—for reasons that may or may not be apparent to us? Will we become bitter or envious, or will we encourage the ones who were selected? Remember, this doesn’t close to the door to other opportunities in the kingdom, and it certainly doesn’t close the door to the ultimate Promised Land—if we maintain the right attitude. It’s a tough test, for sure, but pass it we must—if we want to become a true son of encouragement, like Barnabas and like Moses.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.