It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. (Pro 25:2)
God has glorified himself by creating a vast and intricate universe, one which contains many mysteries for us to uncover. Godly rulers glorify themselves by always seeking truth, knowledge and wisdom. From these flow justice, which God charges every ruler to uphold.
There is also a deeper principle here that extends beyond kings and rulers. God has glorified himself not only by creating this mysterious universe, but also by creating a unique species to inhabit it – man. He has given us the ability to plumb these mysteries by observation, experimentation and contemplation. Whenever we exercise this God-given ability we bring glory to God. As Christians, we can be proud to pursue any secular vocation, as long as we give all the glory to God. All of us - not just scientists, doctors and lawyers but also waiters, clerks and janitors - all of us bring glory to God when we exercise our gifts in humility and righteousness. We use our God-given ability to understand the task at hand and then apply our strength of mind and hand to accomplish it. Lord, help me to remember every day as I work at home and on the job to give you all the glory for the unique gifts you have given me. Amen.
Showing posts with label call of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label call of God. Show all posts
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Discover Your Calling
I am the apostle to the Gentiles. (Rom 11:13)
Paul knew his calling. There is a marvelous clarity and simplicity to this statement. God had made clear to him what his role was to be. Paul was certainly an unlikely candidate for the title of apostle to the Gentiles, at least at the outset. A “Pharisee of Pharisees” and persecutor of the church, no one who knew him would have guessed what he would become. Indeed, it was likely not clear to him for some years after his conversion. But he willingly went with Barnabas on that first missionary journey, and discovered his calling. Lord, help me to be receptive to your leading and open to your call. I would love to have the clarity about my calling that Paul had. Help me to be so surrendered to your will that it will become clear to me as it was to him.
Paul knew his calling. There is a marvelous clarity and simplicity to this statement. God had made clear to him what his role was to be. Paul was certainly an unlikely candidate for the title of apostle to the Gentiles, at least at the outset. A “Pharisee of Pharisees” and persecutor of the church, no one who knew him would have guessed what he would become. Indeed, it was likely not clear to him for some years after his conversion. But he willingly went with Barnabas on that first missionary journey, and discovered his calling. Lord, help me to be receptive to your leading and open to your call. I would love to have the clarity about my calling that Paul had. Help me to be so surrendered to your will that it will become clear to me as it was to him.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Strong and Courageous
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Josh 1:9)
Moses has just died. God is commissioning Joshua as the new leader of Israel. They are about to enter the promised land at last. Three times in this passage God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous (v 6,7,9). Now Joshua was a stout-hearted man, but even he might have been nervous about stepping into Moses’ shoes and leading the conquest of Canaan. Joshua had great faith in God, but perhaps part of his faith had really been in Moses all these years. Moses was clearly anointed by God. No one had such a relationship with the Lord as he had. If Moses said, "God commands us to do X", you could be confident that was what God commanded. There is a certain comfort in being second in command, especially to one like Moses. Now Joshua had to step out on his own. But he was not actually alone. God is reassuring Joshua that he will be with him just as he was with Moses.
There comes a time when we each have to step up, take responsibility for what God is leading us to do, and not wait for someone else to show us the way. When God gives you a task, be strong and courageous! He will go before you, behind you and beside you. You are never alone when you are walking in his will. Be strong and courageous!
Moses has just died. God is commissioning Joshua as the new leader of Israel. They are about to enter the promised land at last. Three times in this passage God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous (v 6,7,9). Now Joshua was a stout-hearted man, but even he might have been nervous about stepping into Moses’ shoes and leading the conquest of Canaan. Joshua had great faith in God, but perhaps part of his faith had really been in Moses all these years. Moses was clearly anointed by God. No one had such a relationship with the Lord as he had. If Moses said, "God commands us to do X", you could be confident that was what God commanded. There is a certain comfort in being second in command, especially to one like Moses. Now Joshua had to step out on his own. But he was not actually alone. God is reassuring Joshua that he will be with him just as he was with Moses.
There comes a time when we each have to step up, take responsibility for what God is leading us to do, and not wait for someone else to show us the way. When God gives you a task, be strong and courageous! He will go before you, behind you and beside you. You are never alone when you are walking in his will. Be strong and courageous!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Send Me!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Is 6:8)
This great verse inspires us to respond to God’s calling with willing hearts. Isaiah’s first thought upon seeing God on his throne was of how tiny and worthless and sinful he felt in comparison. Yet such was the wonder and attraction of God’s great majesty, power and beauty that when the call came Isaiah was moved to respond. The great picture of this awesome God, the booming voices of the seraphim and Isaiah’s tiny voice in response is stirring, almost comic. Yet this all powerful God loved Isaiah and wanted him to be part of his plan of redemption. Though we have never had such a vision we, too, are called to be part of God’s plan of redemption. The wonder of that scene in the throne room is made even greater by the contrast between God Almighty and the servant whom he loved. In the same way I must not shirk the call because I think myself too weak or too flawed for service. It is both God’s calling and his power to serve.
This great verse inspires us to respond to God’s calling with willing hearts. Isaiah’s first thought upon seeing God on his throne was of how tiny and worthless and sinful he felt in comparison. Yet such was the wonder and attraction of God’s great majesty, power and beauty that when the call came Isaiah was moved to respond. The great picture of this awesome God, the booming voices of the seraphim and Isaiah’s tiny voice in response is stirring, almost comic. Yet this all powerful God loved Isaiah and wanted him to be part of his plan of redemption. Though we have never had such a vision we, too, are called to be part of God’s plan of redemption. The wonder of that scene in the throne room is made even greater by the contrast between God Almighty and the servant whom he loved. In the same way I must not shirk the call because I think myself too weak or too flawed for service. It is both God’s calling and his power to serve.
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