But when the mission team reaches Perga, he goes AWOL, absent without leave. Why? Luke doesn’t say. But there are clues. The following ‘answers’ are speculative in a good way, as an exercise in self-examination. They represent the kinds of issues we also face in ministry relationships and team dynamics today. So what was Mark’s problem?

Was it homesickness? Mark is young. His mother hosted the prayer meeting in Jerusalem that resulted in Peter’s miraculous release from prison (Acts 12:12). Perhaps he misses his matzah bread and lamb chops. Or was it his love for the Holy City (Psalm 137:6)? If God sends you out on missions, will you give in to homesickness? Or will you stay the course to the end?

Was it culture shock? Or a theology crisis? Mark left a conservative Jewish church in Jerusalem to join a new batch of uncircumcised Christians in Antioch. Down there they eat anything. Then he sees that spooky spiritual warfare at Paphos involving Elymas the sorcerer. On top of all that, the Roman governor of Cyprus converts to Christ without embracing Judaism. Too much for Mark, perhaps. And you? Will you abandon your team because of cultural and theological differences?

Or perhaps it was politics that sent Mark packing. At first, Barnabas was calling the shots. Barnabas is an ideal pastor – the son of encouragement (Acts 4:36). But ever since the power encounter at Paphos, Paul has taken charge (Acts 13:13). Paul’s leadership is more directive and demanding. Perhaps Mark misses the good old days when Cousin Barney was in charge. Yes, they are cousins. Will you abandon ship when a different breed of leader takes the helm?

So was it homesickness, culture shock, a theology crisis, spiritual spooks, politics or what? We cannot say. But we can be sure of one thing. Whatever wore Mark down could happen to any of us today – whether in church, in the marketplace or on the mission field. Pondering some possible reasons for Mark’s untimely exit can help strengthen our resolve to stay the course.

This is not the last we hear of John Mark. He started well. He finished well. We meet him again, not just in Acts, but across history. He wrote the Gospel of Mark. He didn’t let one mistake, as bad as it was, derail his destiny. Will you?

• Human resource is the most important asset of any organisation. John Mark’s story calls for serious reflection. Why do people go AWOL from work or church or the mission field? Pause. Ponder. Pray. First, examine yourself as a leader or follower. Allow the Holy Spirit to surface the root issues and real motives. Is it selfish ambition? Is it a power struggle? A personality clash or a work style difference? Is it a lack of mutual understanding? Unruly team mates? Unfair expectations? Fear of failure? Lack of confidence? Monotony? Doubt and despair? Or is it because you wanted to be the leader but someone else was chosen? Wait on the Lord. Write down what He shows you. Be honest. Turn it into prayer. 

If you have made a wrong turn, pull over and recalibrate. First, heed this warning: A track record of wrong and selfish choices will ruin your character and derail your destiny if you don’t repent (Jeremiah 18). Now be encouraged: A few mistakes, no matter how bad, will neither define you nor determine your future, as long as you confess, repent and make amends as soon as possible. Draw hope from the happy ending of John Mark’s story. Pour your heart out before the Lord.

• Think of the John Marks in the marketplace. The fickle ones who are forever job-hopping. The fresh grads who need room to fail, and a second or third chance. Or those who have been written off by strong leaders who esteem the work above the worker, rightly or wrongly. Pray for each one by name. Walk out on a limb and extend a helping hand, as Barnabas did for John Mark. Reflect on Acts 15:36-39.

• Singapore’s missionaries are our most valuable export. Like John Mark, they all face tough challenges on the field. Pray for newbies who are reeling from culture shock. For others who are homesick. For those who worry about ailing parents at home. For others who are hurt because they feel sidelined and silenced by policy and protocol. For those rattled by relational conflicts within the team. For others who are tempted to go AWOL. For those who have already come home disillusioned. Ask God to refresh all our missionaries with a second wind, restore the demoralised and heal the wounded.

• Human capital is our nation’s most precious asset: Singapore’s strength lies in our people, dedicated workers and capable leaders; not just individual stars or a few top bodies, but a cohesive society and a strong Singapore team. Each person giving his best for the nation, doing things together that none of us could have achieved on our own. This is our greatest asset and this is the secret of our success (PM Lee Hsien Loong). In this age of selfish genes and global disruptions, retaining human capital is like trying to hold a moon beam in your hand. Are you a quitter who will take the first flight out at the first sign of trouble? Or are you a stayer who will lay down your life and fight for Singapore come hell or high water? Pray.

Read the devotional from Day 8: Power Play here.