Only

I’m not really part of the team, I only pray.’ I heard these words said the other day. Because she couldn’t cook the meals for the homeless or then serve them or then talk with the visitors she didn’t feel part of the team. Some one soon put her right; prayer is the glue that sticks it all together. Nothing of worth can happen without it.

But she was not alone. Moses had an answer when God directed him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? Exodus 3:11 He felt unqualified for such a mammoth task as he was often tongue-tied. His brother Aaron had to be roped in to help him in his approach to Pharaoh

Gideon was another of the patriachs who had no faith in his abilities. When approached by God he said, ‘But Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manassah and I am the least in my family.’ Judges 6:15 God knew his strengths and with His guidance He knew he was the right man for the job.

One sometimes hears mothers saying ‘I’m only a housewife and mother.’ These people are tasked with one of the most important jobs in the world. There is no ‘only ‘about it. Whether it be Moses, Gideon or mothers, they are all needed in God’s master plan. He alone knows each and every ones potential. They will all need God to guide and direct them; they can’t do it alone and that also applies to each one of us.

Two Small Coins

The great and famous were congregating in heaven, those who had been remembered down the ages.

‘I’m Moses who encountered God in the burning bush and led the people of out of Egypt towards the Promised Land.’

I’m Elijah. I was fed by God in the wilderness. God guided me to overcome Ahab and give guidance to the people of Israel.’

‘I was known as John the Baptist. I prepared the way for the coming of Jesus and was able to baptise him in the rived Jordan.’

‘I’m Paul. God met me on the road to Damascus. I suffered much for my Saviour, wrote many letters to fellow believers and eventually died a martyr’s death.’

‘I only gave all my savings to God in the shape of two small coins.’

To each and every one God said, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’

Solomon

Our sermon the other week was about Solomon. When one studies his life you realise how rich and powerful he was. He was also noted for his great wisdom. But by looking closely at the passages in the Bible we see that he is only pointing to a greater one. Solomon’s fame was only human, the power of Jesus is divine.

David was a powerful king and we are blessed today by his wonderful psalms, but again he is only a pointer to one who is greater. Jesus is the greatest. Prophets, saints and revered Biblical figures come no-where near Him. ‘It’s Jesus, the first and the last.’