04/20/2017
How do we judge what we are contributing to the kingdom of God? Are we looking at our efforts, or His, and who do we blame when we yield a disappointing effort? This is our topic for today's thought.
When God calls us to perform a task for Him, how do we go about determining if we will accept it? Do we look at our own skills and determine if it is possible for us, and then reject those things that are beyond our ability? Do we then look at Jesus and say to ourselves "He could do all things because He was the Son of God" and thus justify our silence when God calls our miserable name?
Jesus didn't have any advantage over you or me. He was doing those things we read about because He exercised the same promises and power that God has promised us. The only difference is that He believed them fully, and gave the Holy Spirit free rein to accomplish them through Him.
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”
2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV
What a wonderfully revealing scripture! It doesn't say that Jesus brought glory to God by His own efforts, but rather because God's promises found fertile ground in Him. These are the same promises we have... and the same Holy Spirit we have been offered!
I was reading reading Oswald Chambers this morning and he wrote these words after referring to the parable of the talents:
"We must not measure our spiritual capacity by education or intellect; our capacity in spiritual things is measured by the promises of God.... When it is a question of God's Almighty Spirit, never say "I can't." Never let the limitation of natural ability come in. If we have received the Holy Spirit, God expects the work of the Holy Spirit to be manifested in us." - Oswald Chambers
We don't work for God nearly as much as He works in us. So when we fail to achieve what God has asked of us what really happened? Is it our lack of our exercising God's promises, or a shortcoming in God's promises themselves? In business I consult someone who has had great success at something for advice when I am preparing to do the same thing, so in the case of spiritual success for the kingdom, let's consult Jesus...
“But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."”
Matthew 19:26 ESV
Hmmmm... Perhaps I have thus far failed because it is impossible for me. So how does God expect me to do this thing that is so far beyond my ability? Well let's look at what is said about Jesus' success.
“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.”
Luke 4:14-15 ESV
There it is... the ingredient that is missing in my failure; "the power of the Spirit!" But, this is Jesus... does that pertain to me? Well, what does Paul say about his success; after all he is 100% a man...
“by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;”
Romans 15:19 ESV
Ok, I am convinced. The secret to performing the things that God calls me to do has less to do with my own skills and intellect, and much more to do with the promises of God and the Holy Spirit manifesting itself within me. So how do I begin?
Well the first thing I need to do is pray for the Holy Spirit to enter into me, or I can go to a Spirit filled saint in the church and have them pray with me and lay their hands on me, as Peter and John did for the people in Jerusalem...
“Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 8:17 ESV
This, like all things of God requires faith, and is a gift... not a right. So once our faith is in align with God's will and is sufficient for God's purpose, the Spirit will be given, and from that moment forward, our answer of "Here I Am" to God's call will be coupled with certain success and victory... well beyond our own abilities.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus, and for the Holy Spirit that allows us to perform your callings just as He did. You sent your Spirit to us and breathed Him upon the apostles, and now, today, you do this for those you call as well. Holy Father, let the power and miracles needed for us to achieve those things you ask be granted as we perform your will. Let your presence be felt by those who witness this power and see the miracles you perform; and may your kingdom be advanced, and your name be glorified. Lord, in you all is possible, and in power your will is manifest. Give us the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit to lead us as we perform those things you have asked of us, and in all things great and small, may you be glorified, and your name be praised.
Rich Forbes