Today’s Readings: Psalms 137-140; Matthew 10
Did you ever pay close attention to the results Jesus expected His disciples and apostles to obtain from their efforts as His emissaries? A few would welcome them into their homes and treat them well. A few would listen to their words and repent. But take a close look at the Master’s words in this chapter. He promises rejection, flogging, bullying, name-calling, prison, betrayal, separation from family and friends, and even death. Great news for these fledgling followers! Why would they go out and share the message knowing these risks not only existed but stood as real probabilities for them?
They met the Master, that’s why! He said, “Go!” and they knew it would be okay regardless the tactics men tried to halt the message. Nothing could stop the message. Nothing could stop the power of God at work in His kingdom. They understood God’s math. God plus one always equals a majority. It doesn’t matter what the enemy may plan. It doesn’t matter what circumstance we may face. God plus one always wins when we remain faithful to Him. We may not understand how He is working in the moment, but I can assure you, God wins! Always!
He promises He will give us the words to say, the actions to take, or the knowledge we need at just the right time. That doesn’t mean we can be sloths and ignore studying His word or planning for events or expecting and planning for certain outcomes. But when we do God’s work, His presence in us creates a power house that provides extraordinary results that often cannot be explained except as a byproduct of God’s amazing grace and intervention.
I think about a friend who lost his job recently with no notice and trumped-up charges. Others had told him he should look elsewhere but he had gotten comfortable in his position. Clientele loved him. He was doing a great job. Then in a matter of a few weeks everything went south with his boss and then he was gone. He’d been there 15 years. His family experienced some recent medical issues that resulted in some significant co-pays. It wasn’t a very good time to look for a new job. But God intervened. God had a new mission for him. He’s happier, feeling more fulfilled, working harder but sensing God’s presence in his work more than he has in a long time.
God will disrupt our plans sometimes with not so nice interventions to show us His spirit is still at work in us and through us. Sometimes it’s not a pleasant process. Sometimes it hurts. But sometimes, we can look back and see God’s purpose and plan in the circumstances we endured. We can see the worth in our suffering. We can use the lessons God gives us to teach others about His faithfulness in every situation even when we can’t see it in the moment.
He never leaves us or forsakes us. He promised!
Join me next time, won’t you?
Richard
Walk with Me 