I send you out as lambs among wolves.*
Lambs among wolves? Really Jesus? That’s crazy! We’re gonna get creamed! The kingdom of God is upside-down (at least from the world’s point of view.)
It’s “crazy” to think:
- If you have a need, give … and it shall be given unto you.
- If you want to save your life … lose it.
- If you exalt yourself you’ll be humbled. Humble yourself to be exalted.
- If you want to be great .. be a servant of all.
Not just a servant to the influential but a servant even to other servants.
In this time of world chaos it’s easy to respond like the world: anxiety, insecurity, complaining and hoarding because we don’t know what’s coming. That’s a natural response but …
God has called us to live supernaturally (above the natural). That means more than “I don’t smoke and I don’t chew and I don’t go with girls that do.”
It’s easy to condemn the bad ACTIONS of the world
while we have the same bad ATTITUDES of the world.
If our attitudes and actions are just like the world we can expect to reap the same harvest the world reaps – anxiety, worry and hopelessness. But how can we live counter-culturally, counter-intuitively, upside-down from the world’s perspective?
Instead of being fearful and worried, be bold.
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.*
That’s not arrogant or blustery but it means we are not afraid to speak up and confidently declare that the God of the nations has not lost control and is still working all things together for His purposes.
Instead of being negative and critical, encourage and spread hope.
… after you have suffered a little while, (God) himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.*
Yes, it is a tough time but God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to HIS purpose. Yes, even in this, God is working out HIS great purpose.
Instead of hoarding and being tight-fisted, be generous and give.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.*
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.*
The one who fed the children of Israel in the wilderness will see you through with everything you need – even toilet paper.
God does not hesitate to give to us if He knows he can give through us.
If we are generous, God loves to use us as a distribution point of His blessings. If we get giving constipation and refuse to let things pass through us to others, God will find someone else He can give to who will joyfully be His conduit of blessing to others.
You and I have the joyous privilege of representing Jesus in a time where darkness seems to be descending on the world. Now is the opportune time to let your light of hope and help shine brightly.
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* Luke 10:3; 1 Cor 16:9 ;2 Cor 10:4; Pro 28:1; 1 Peter 5:10; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 5:42