February 21, 2010

Exodus 4
“Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?” This is a very interesting comment by the LORD. Normally, we complain and get upset with God when things happen that make us different from other humans, such as going mute, deaf or blind. Also it is a tendency to try to defend God for allowing these things to happen. It doesn’t seem to bother God. He takes full responsibility for the mute, the deaf and the blind. He says that He made that non-functioning tongue, ear or eye. Hmm. . . . From His perspective it would appear that is not necessarily a bad or evil thing. Does that mean that we have a faulty perspective of things that we consider evil? However that one falls out, I think His point is that if He made it to begin with, then He can remake it to function however he wants to make it work. The issue is not the mouth. The issue is the Creator of the mouth. If God wanted an eloquent orator, He could make Moses to become an eloquent orator. That is the glory of our LORD.
The US has produced a number of great orators. They all have their cult followings. I wonder how much more glory the LORD would receive if they were not great orators. Conversely, D.L. Moody was heavily criticized on his first trip to England because he butchered the English language, yet the LORD used him mightily. Most homiliticians who analyze Billy Graham’s sermons would say that his sermons are not all that well crafted. Yet, the LORD uses him mightily. There is a distinct difference between being able to speak well and speak in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Is the point that the LORD is trying to make here that what matters is not our ability but His ability? It is not our glory but His glory. He can make the very rocks speak His glorify if needed. Maybe one of the reasons we see so little of the power of the LORD in the US is because we are so stuck on building our own name. Would I still do what I do if I knew I would never get any credit for it? If nobody ever read these Meditations on the Glory, would I still do them? Hmm. . . .
Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor john

Mark 3:1-19
Have you ever met someone who serves only if there is attention gained in the serving. Someone once told me about going to see their congressman when he was visiting in the area. They commented on how the congressman was all smiles as long as the press was around taking pictures. He even prompted the photographers, “Get a picture of me with this person.” But the instant the press left so did the congressman’s smile and willingness to meet his public. It made my friend really doubt the sincerity of the congressman to serve the people as opposed to his desire to gain power from the office.
A servant doesn’t draw attention to himself. He merely serves and desires to multiply the effectiveness of his service. Jesus was healing people. He entered the synagogue. The press (Pharisees and Herodians) were there to observe Him to see if He might break any of their forms. It was the Sabbath. To heal on the Sabbath was, according to them, forbidden work. It did not fit their form. A man with a withered hand was there. What kind of press would He receive from healing this man’s hand? Jesus was not concerned about press. He was concerned about mercy and the glory of God being revealed on the Sabbath. He healed the man for it accomplished both concerns. He served the man and outraged the Pharisees. From that point on they began to plot to kill Him.
Jesus withdrew. Naturally the multitude followed. He continued to teach, heal and set people free. Then He went up on the mountain and appointed twelve to:
1. be with him,
2. send them out to preach
3. heal the sick
Jesus was limited by His body. He knew that He could multiply His service by empowering others. He made it part of His glory to empower others. And they received His power and served others. His glory was increased. Still today Jesus calls us to be with Him, to preach and to heal—to serve others. His glory is increased when we serve. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor John