Restoration: When Broken Relationships Are Healed

In Acts 15:36-41, Luke narrates a sad turn of events: "And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.' Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord." (ESV) Aren't we all glad things like that don't happen anymore! (Wink) But thankfully restoration would come between these brothers. And while the Scriptures give few details, many years later Paul writes his final letter while awaiting execution. What might he want brought to him in that hellhole of a prison? 2 Timothy 4:11-13 says: "Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments." (ESV) i.e. 'When you come Timothy, bring Mark, my coat, and my Bible!' Mark would go on to author the Gospel that bears his name. The healing and restoration of broken relationships is an awesome thing! And it's also a wonderful depiction of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!