On Running Well

Mark, also known as John or John Mark, was a young man whose discipleship possibly extended to before the crucifixion of Jesus – but not all the way back to the baptism of John. He was a nephew of Barnabas. Mark had traveled with Barnabas and Paul from Jerusalem to Antioch, and afterward went with them when they left Antioch for regions beyond (Acts 13:5). Not far into the journey, Mark left them and went home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Mark not only did not go the distance, he became a source of contention between Barnabas and Paul. When they intended to go again and visit the churches they had started, Barnabas was determined to take Mark once again. Because he turned back from the previous journey, Paul was just as determined that Mark would not go. Paul and Barnabas each went his own way!

Paul – despite his strong opposition to Mark (Acts 15:37-39) – and Mark – despite his lack of persistence – both learned that a “messed-up middle” does not of necessity keep one from finishing well. Immediately after Paul told Timothy about the departure of Demas (II Timothy 4:11), he spoke of the return of one who had departed – John Mark. “Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” God even chose this young disciple to pen one of the Gospel accounts, the 2nd book of the New Testament. Those who do not run well in the middle stages are not destined to fall by the wayside. By the grace of God they start running again and go the distance, finishing well. Let us run the race that is set before us. Run with patience. Run with our eyes on Jesus.