Knowledge vs. Wisdom

“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”Luke 10:25-27. 

Several verses before the parable of the good Samaritan, Luke 10:25 tells us, “One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”  We are told this man is an expert in religious law. And despite how this and other religious leaders and scholars come across in the Bible, there is nothing wrong with knowledge. But knowledge is not the end game. Knowledge is learned; wisdom is given. Knowledge comes by looking around; wisdom comes by looking up. Knowledge comes from study; wisdom is the way to apply your knowledge. You see, a man can have knowledge, but to understand and to apply—he needs wisdom. 

In the good Samaritan parable we see both theory and the practical application of theory. We have to be careful that Biblical study is not just theory and detached from real life as seemed to be the case with the lawyer. Jesus would not allow him to deal with the truth of God’s Word in a test tube. Jesus would not define the term “neighbor” in scholastic terms, but defined it by telling a story. Jesus challenges us to ask ourselves whether or not we are good neighbors to those in need. God does not want us to give Him a textbook definition of loving our neighbor; He wants us to demonstrate love for our neighbor in the real world, by showing compassion to one in need, as was the case with the good Samaritan.

Application of our knowledge is so important. If we don’t apply it, the Bible becomes nothing more than an impractical collection of old manuscripts. That’s why Paul says, “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9).

The first step toward applying God’s Word in our lives is reading it. Our goal in reading is to get to know God, to learn His ways, and to understand His purpose for this world and for us individually. In reading the Bible, we learn about God’s interactions with humanity throughout history, His plan of redemption, His promises, and His character. We see what the Christian life looks like. The knowledge we gain from Scripture serves as an invaluable foundation for applying the Bible’s principles to our life. 

So let’s apply what we know in loving our neighbors as ourselves and make compassion a way of life. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the parable of the good Samaritan tell us about how to love your neighbor?
  2. Some say the opposite of love is “indifference” instead of “hate.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  3. What’s one change you can make in your life to put more loving your neighbor into action?

No Stranger To Love

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” – Hebrews 13:2.

The parable of the good Samaritan is more than a feel good story or a passage of scripture to reflect on from time to time. It clarifies how we should treat those we meet in life’s journey, illustrates how we should deal with those who challenge us and defines who we should view as our neighbors. There should be nobody that is a stranger to compassion, help and love.

It could be a person you meet on the street, or somebody that just moved in on your block. It could be a family vacationing for a week, or a person from another country that has just moved to Florida. It could be somebody who has no use for Christianity or it could be somebody who is a complete stranger to God’s love and grace. It could be a young couple who wears different clothes and speaks in a different way than you do. But they all have something in common: they all could be our neighbors. 

The parable of the good Samaritan cautions us against labeling or arbitrarily deciding who is our neighbor. By all rights, the Samaritan is the last of three that should have helped the wounded person, yet he did. Jesus tells the lawyer and us to “go and do the same.” Be a neighbor to those you see differently, even when they are different from ourselves; even when we have to face our prejudices, even when they are difficult people to treat with compassion, and even when they are strangers and outsiders. When the Bible tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves, it does not mean only those in our inner circle of friends and relatives. God expects us to treat everyone with love, respect, tolerance and fairness. And sometime that can be very difficult.

Difficult or not we are commanded to love neighbors as ourselves which means coming to their aid when they are in need. More generally, it means having a loving attitude towards them, overcoming the prejudices held against them, taking the initiative in making contact, as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman, so as to break through any walls between us. Loving others as Jesus did with the Samaritan who was the only one of ten healed lepers to show his gratitude (Luke 17:11-19). 

So here is the challenge. How big is your circle of neighbors?  Is it made up of a few close friends and a few additional acquaintances? I want to challenge each of you to broaden your definition of a neighbor, and what we can do to help. Because somewhere out there is a neighbor who needs what you have. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Think of a time when you have been welcomed. Where were you? What did you feel and why? Who contributed to your experience?
  2. Think of a time when you have not been welcomed or felt like you did not belong. Where were you? What did you feel and why? Who contributed to your experience?
  3. What steps could you take to find more opportunities to hear the voices of the “neighbors” within your community?
  4. What practical steps could you take to serve our neighbors in your community?

The Power Of Compassion

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” – Luke 10:36-37. 

The story the good Samaritan is one of the parables of Jesus. He tells it in response to a question from a lawyer, who asks him “who is my neighbor?” The story concerns a traveller on the way from Jerusalem to Jericho, who is attacked, robbed and left half-dead by the roadside. Two other travelers pass by on the other side, but a man from Samaria decides to stop and show compassion towards the man, who had been attacked. He takes him to a safe place and provides for his recovery. The good Samaritan didn’t just do something; he felt something: “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” The end of the parable is a command to extend real compassion in the way the Samaritan did: “now go and do the same.” (Luke 10:37). 

So our mission is to go, and be like the good Samaritan. Go the extra mile. Don’t be so busy that we lose sight of people all around us. Take a look around. Beaten, bloodied, and bruised people aren’t hard to find. Maybe not in a literal sense. But children are hungry and living in poverty. Homeless people are all around us. So are people who lost their jobs and have basic needs. These are the people that need a good Samaritan and compassion.

Real compassion makes it more personal. Real compassion leads to involvement. It leads to commitment. Compassion does not allow us to to watch from a distance. Compassion makes it difficult to watch and wait. You want to help, you want to do something. When we are hurting when we face trias of life we want someone to walk beside us, share our burden, and say, “I love you. Let me help.” This is what love and compassion does.   

The ministry that cares for children in need all over the world is called Compassion International for good reason. It’s a reminder that we are called to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32), just as God has been kind and compassionate to us. Psalm 116:5 says, ” The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.”  

As Christians, we can’t do everything. But we can do something. We can help, give, love, encourage, pray, etc. Even a small thing that can make a real difference in somebody’s life. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is it easier to be compassionate to A) a friend, B) a stranger or a neutral acquaintance or C) an enemy? How do you feel about being compassionate to a person intent on doing harm to you? 
  2. In what situations is it easy to be compassionate? When is it difficult? Why?
  3. What can we do this week to be more compassionate?

Being Neighborly

Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” – Luke 10:25-29.

Who are the most memorable neighbors on TV shows? There have been hundreds of favorite next-door friends and neighbors like Kramer (Seinfeld), Ross Gellar (Friends) and Wilson Wilson (Home Improvement). Who didn’t cringe every time Steve Urkel entered the set and opened his mouth, whining, “Did I do that?” Who didn’t want to live in Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood and listen to his stories? Who didn’t feel bad for Mr. Wilson living next to Dennis the Menace? And who didn’t laugh at Fred and Ethyl Mertz or remember our first love watching Winnie Cooper in The Wonder Years? Jesus instructed us to love our neighbor as ourselves, as we read in Matthew 22:39.     

The Bible says “love thy neighbor.” That command brings up the question of, then “who is my neighbor?” The dictionary defines a neighbor as “a person living near or next door to the speaker or person referred to.” Love thy neighbor cannot refer to only loving the person or persons who live on the same street or the house directly next and across from mine. To the Christian, the dictionary definition and the Bible definition are two different things.

It is easy to equate neighbor with a nearby house or residence. But the Bible does not view neighbor as a structure, but as an individual. The woman waiting at Starbucks for her coffee is a neighbor. The man who cut you off in traffic is a neighbor. The Uber driver who picked you up is a neighbor. And the lady at Publix whose kids just ran into your legs with their grocery cart, they too are your neighbor.

Everywhere you go, near and far you will will find a neighbor. And that neighbor is a person God loves and that we should love as well. So who is “my neighbor?” They are the people who live around us, live amongst us, people we are living through and with. These are our neighbors. It is a large and extensive community to be sure.

It is not easy to love your neighbor as yourself. We can put “love” into a box and say “oh yeah, I love my neighbor.” But do you really? Do you know your neighbor? A person’s name is a start, but what about their story, their likes and dislikes, their dreams, their wishes and wants. You have to be intentional and purposeful and want a relationship. I can know the teller at the bank by name, but until I have a relationship and act on her needs when given the opportunity, I am not loving her as a neighbor.   

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it important to love our neighbors? 
  2. Is loving our neighbors an extension of our love for God and our love for ourselves?
  3. Which people in your world are easiest to love, and why? Which people are toughest to love, and why?
  4. What can we do this week to better love others?

Help Without Hesitating

“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” – Luke 10:33-35.

This past Sunday we found ourselves in Luke 10:25-37, examining the Parable of the good Samaritan. While many of us know the story, I hope we all came to a deeper understanding of what Jesus was doing in and through this story. We now understand that the parable of the good Samaritan is more than a story telling us to be nice to others. Jesus was showing the young legalistic lawyer what he must do to have eternal life. The questions this parable raised in Jesus’ day, continue to be raised in our world today.

A religious lawyer or expert in religious law is having a conversation with Jesus about what it means to be saved, and when Jesus tells him to love his neighbor as himself, the man wants to confuse and blur the lines of the issue by asking, “Who is my neighbor?” he asks.

Jesus responds with a parable about a man taking the dangerous journey from Jericho to Jerusalem – a rocky, downhill road that requires a traveller to leave the safety of Jewish territory. It is an ideal place for bandits, and along the way, the man is beaten, robbed and left half-dead. A priest and a levite walk by. They are not heartless, but have reasons that they believe take precedence over helping the stricken man. Finally, a Samaritan comes along, and despite the bad blood between the Samaritans and Jews, he stops to help. He goes the extra mile and makes sure the half-dead man is taken care of by an innkeeper.

The parable of the good Samaritan tells us how we are to be as Christians — we are to show mercy to others whenever the opportunity is before us, and indeed we are to seek out opportunities to do good and serve. We are to “go and do the same.” (Luke 10:37), just as the Samaritan did.

So here is the challenge. How big is your circle? Who is your neighbor? I want to challenge each of you to go back and think about the good Samaritan. Have you made yourself aware of your opportunity to love your neighbor? Do you have compassion for those in need? I challenge you to take advantage of the opportunities around you. Once you become aware of a place where you can love your neighbor- take the next step and access the place and put your abilities to work because somewhere out there is a neighbor who needs what you have. Jesus said it so simply, “Now that you know who your neighbor is; now that you know who you are responsible to love, go and do the same.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your definition of a hero?
  2. Is the good Samaritan another way of showing how Jesus loved? What does it impact how we view people today?
  3. In what ways do we justify our lack of love for others? How does it feel when someone has mercy on you? Who do you know that is hurting and has no one to call on? What are you to do?

People Like Hur

“Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.”Exodus 17:12

In Exodus 17 we see Israel faced with its first major military threat, the Amalekites. This unprovoked attack was a preview of the kind of struggles the Jewish nation would face as they began the conquest of Canaan. As they engaged in combat, Moses prayed for his army with outstretched arms, as he did before the Red Sea. Moses was providing prayer cover for his people. While his arms were raised, the Israeli soldiers prevailed, but as Moses weakened, the battle shifted. The raising of hands is a common posture for prayer, but an uplifted arm can only be raised so long.

This is where a man who steps out of nowhere, makes a significant contribution and then disappears into the same shadows from which he came. His name is Hur. When Moses became too weary to hold his own hands up, Aaron and Hur stepped up and held Moses’ hands up until the battle was finished. Hur is not even close to the stature of Moses and Aaron. Hur is a man about whom we know next to nothing, yet he enabled an entire nation to see a great victory.

I would like to pay tribute to the many Hur’s in our church and in our faith. People who don’t mind taking a second seat, and often go unnoticed, unthanked and under appreciated. People who perform a function in the Body of Christ that is so vital, but who never get the recognition they deserve. The task Hur accomplished that day doesn’t sound like a lot to you and me, however, had it not been for the work of this man, Moses would not have had the strength to do his job, and Joshua would never have been able to lead Israel to victory in the battle. If Hur had not been there, the battle would have been lost and Israel would have been defeated. Aaaron and Hur are heroes in their own right.

In church today there are still Moses’ and Joshua’s. But for every one of them there are an army of Hur’s who are praying, fasting, and carrying the load so that the leaders of the church can do their work. These people are absolutely indispensable to God’s work. Not everyone can preach great messages. Not everyone can sing like Sarah Brightman or play the guitar like Eric Clapton. Not everyone is a effective witness. But God may have placed us in His church to do an obscure, unnoticed part, that is essential to the proper functioning of the body of Christ.

I am almost sure that there are some reading this today who can relate to Hur. You are dedicated to the Lord, but you are never recognized for your contributions. Let me tell you that you are appreciated. You are the heroes of this church. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you do. I love you and thank God for everyone who is involved in the Lord’s work in whatever capacity because the Lord can and will use you for His Glory.

Discussion Questions:

  1. If you found yourself stuck in a bind, what TV or movie character/hero would you call to come help? 
  2. Moses was a great spiritual leader. How do you think Moses felt as he sat there tired and struggling to hold up the staff when his friends came by his side and held up his arms? 
  3. Read Galatians 6:2: Was there a time when you wanted to fix or change a problem for someone close to you? What did you decide to do and how did that affect the issue or the relationship?
  4. What can we do to help carry each other’s burdens this week?

Ordinary People Willing to Be Used By An Extraordinary God

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13.

This Bible passage was written right after Peter and John healed the crippled man outside the temple. The Bible tells us that Peter and John were looked at as unschooled, ordinary men. What set them apart is that they were known to be with Jesus during His earthly ministry. What set them apart is that they spent time with Jesus.

When we read the accounts of the Apostles, it is easy to think because they spent time with Jesus that they are superheroes.  We put them on a pedestal, one step down from Jesus Himself. However the reality of it was that they were a bunch of average people who spent time with Jesus and it changed their lives. They were not Christian superstars. When we really begin to look honestly at some of the people in the Bible and take them down off the stained-glass windows, it becomes obvious that God did extraordinary things through such ordinary, regular people. We seem to think that God will only use superstars. That ordinary people are really not all that important. Well nothing is farther from the truth. There are only ordinary people serving an extraordinary God. 

Many people want to be successful, but they are not willing to do what is necessary to obtain success. Most managers will tell you that they need willing and able people. You’ve got to be willing to be successful. On the other hand, if they are not willing and able they will most likely put pressure on the organization and its workforce. God wants people who are willing and available as well. That is exactly what Isaiah said: “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.”

Over my years as pastor I have noticed that those who carry the greatest loads are also the ones who seem to be the most blessed. Why? One of the reasons is because they are willing. Once Jesus’ disciples were arguing with one another about who would have a place of prominence with Him. Jesus answered them, “and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” (Mark 10:44). When you have a willingness of mind to be servant to all, and you make yourself available, then you are going to carry the heaviest loads. So even though they are normal human beings, God did some extraordinary things in their lives. 

If you are willing and available, God can and will use you in powerful ways. To me, that is the point of being a hero. It is not about us. It is not about our ability. It is not about how successful we are. It is about ordinary people trusting the outcome of our life and our service to an extraordinary God. “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” (John 15:16)

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that God can do great things – impossible things – through your life too? Why or why not? 
  2. Think of a moment in a movie or book you love when the hero is called to give up everything for the sake of the thing she most wants. As you’ve followed Jesus He’s repeatedly asked you to give things up. What’s been one of the hardest things you’ve sacrificed in following Christ and taking up your cross?
  3. Do you struggle with fear? Do you feel like fear sometimes keeps you from the adventures God has for you? 
  4. A hero brings new energy, perspective, awareness, confidence, joy, etc. What can we bring new to our relationship with God this week?

The Difference Between Ordinary And Extraordinary Is God

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21. 

All throughout Scripture we see that God is about doing improbable things through improbable people. The most reluctant of these people was Moses. Fearing for his life after a misguided attempt at vigilante justice, he had retreated to Midian for some easy living in a remote country. It wasn’t long before God disrupted his life by calling him to leave his life of comfort to save his people from the hands of Pharaoh. It’s here, in his first conversation with God, that we see Moses give five back-to-back-to-back-to-back excuses for why he could not do what God wanted.

While we may tell ourselves that we would never have the audacity to reject God to His face, the truth is that we probably do this more than we think. We all make excuses. Excuses are often the natural reaction to God pushing us through the Scriptures to live lives that glorify Him. Sometimes we may feel what God is asking us to do is overwhelming, if not impossible. Moses probably felt that way so we can learn from his experience. The excuses Moses made probably mirror excuses we can give ourselves when we are resisting or balking at God’s will and direction for our lives. 

God clearly worked through the lives of people like Moses. It is easy to assume that the people God uses, while not perfect, must be smarter, more holy, greater and better than me.  Can I really expect God to ever do something like that through me? The answer is yes.

When we really begin to look honestly at some of the people in the Bible, such as Moses, and take them down off the stained-glass windows, it becomes obvious that God did extraordinary things through ordinary, regular people. And He still does today. So what about those of us who want to make an eternal impact in the lives of others but wonder whether we are smart enough, have enough knowledge, have the right words, and the right approach. The issue isn’t that God’s power isn’t available to us or we aren’t smart enough or good enough. The answer to those questions is summed up in 2 Chronicles 16:9: “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him….”  God is looking to use ordinary people who are completely committed to Him.    

A strong relationship with God is one that gives us the courage to do what we would never do on our own. Whether it’s talking to a friend about that elephant in the room you’ve been avoiding, or making a big life decision that puts you in unfamiliar territory, it’s important to remember that God is actively playing a part in your life to ensure your long-term success and happiness. Believing this will allow you to take risks and do things you wouldn’t have imagined possible on your own. God can overcome any weakness or flaws we may have.

So which excuse(s) have you been making to God? Take some time to write out what you have been resisting, and make the decision to do what God is asking you to do. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the number one thing you need to be used by God?
  2. What responsibility do we have to be available for God to work through us?
  3. What can you do this week to be more available to God to be used for His purposes?

Could I Be Excused?

But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” – Exodus 4:10.

The dictionary definition of “excuse” is “to make allowance for a short-coming; to overlook; to serve as justification for; to vindicate.” Moses asked to be excused five times. Let’s take a closer look at the excuses that Moses used. The first excuse was “But God, I couldn’t possibly do what you are asking of me. I have no experience in the negotiation business.”But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11) God simply tells Moses that He will go with him. “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” (Exodus 3:12) 

The second excuse is “ ok, but they are not going to be happy about all this so who should I say sent me?” “…they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” (Exodus 3:13)  God basically says don’t worry Moses, they know who I AM. “God replied to Moses, “I am who i am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.”

Excuse number 3 is  “Ummm, what if they don’t believe me?” Exodus 4:1: “But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me?” God tells Moses, ”Don’t worry about that, I’ve got it covered. They love signs. I’ll give them signs.” (Exodus 4:2-9)

Excuse 4 for Moses was “But L-Lord, I st-st-stutter. And it’s worse when I’m n-n-nervous. Who’s going to l-l-listen to me?” (Exodus 4:10 above) I wonder if God at this point after the burning bush, turning the rod into a serpent and covering Moses’ hand with disease is saying “seriously!” The Bible gives God’s response in Exodus 4:11-12: …“Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

The last excuse is found in Exodus 4:13. Moses begs God to send someone else. “Lord, please! Send anyone else.”  God had been patient with Moses up until this point. But when Moses asked Him to send someone else, God became angry. Look at verse 14.Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses…”  and he said, ““All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well….” And then in verse 15 God says, “Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do.

Exit Moses, tail between legs. Have you ever been there? I have. It’s useless to argue with God. But we do it anyway. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which times in your life do you find yourself making excuses?
  2. Have you ever sensed God calling you to a task and found an excuse not to respond?
  3. Which of Moses’ five excuses can you relate to most?

The Archetypal Hero

“But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” –  Exodus 3:11. 

A prominent website surveyed people to find out who were the 5 greatest super heroes of all time. Number 5 was the Incredible Hulk, Wolverine was 4, Spiderman was 3, Batman 2 and Superman was number 1. If you made a list of the top five most influential, significant Biblical heroes, the list may look something like this: number 5 is Abraham, leaving his home and going on an epic journey following the call of God. Moses, standing up to Pharaoh and bringing the people out of Egypt is 4, David is 3, Paul is 2 and the only man to predict His death and rise from the grave on the third day has to be number 1, Jesus.  Moses was the most unlikeliest hero.

Moses was a fugitive wanted for murder, hiding out on a mountaintop with some sheep when God appeared on the scene and told him to return to Egypt and deliver his people out of slavery. It is fair to say that Moses didn’t exactly jump at the chance to confront Pharaoh and lead a million or so cranky Israelites out of Egypt into the desert. He made all sorts of excuses about his lack of courage and eloquence, and finally flat-out said, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.”(Exodus 4:13)  But God did not say, “You’re right; I don’t think you’re cut out for this job. I need a strong leader who won’t shake when he asks Pharaoh to let his slave labor go scot-free. I need someone without a shaky past. Someone who has a lot of experience in high stakes diplomacy. Clearly you are not that man.”

No, God knew what He was doing when He chose Moses as His spokesman. It wasn’t a mistake or a poor decision. It’s not like picking a stock and hope the company produces good numbers so you earn a return. This is God we are talking about. God knew Moses wasn’t perfect and that he was prone to fear. He knew Pharaoh would put up a fight and refuse to listen. But God enabled Moses to accomplish this seemingly impossible task, in spite of his human weaknesses, because God is greater than his fears, and stronger than his weaknesses.

God is still greater than our fears and stronger than our weaknesses. So often we want to give up when we have reached the end of our own abilities and endurance. When we do reach the end of our own abilities and endurance we enter that space in which only God can work. In that space is where God helps ordinary people do something that was impossible for them alone. That is the space where heroes are made.   

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your definition of a hero?
  2. Have you been challenged by God to do something that would take you out of your comfort zone? If so, do you look for strength from within, or from God?
  3. Pray this week to be used by God for His purposes.