This morning I was working out on my elliptical machine (trying to lose 10 pounds of sugar before my 25th anniversary weekend), and I was listening to Joyce Meyer preach on the television. If you ever want to get some sound teaching, tune into Joyce Meyer in the morning. I am not a coffee drinker (unless it has sugar, hence the elliptical...), but Joyce is my cup of "Joe" in the morning. She can really get me inspired and call me out on some things.
So, I was listening to Joyce talk about the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The prodigal son starts out saying "give me" my money and I want to go do things my way. He ends up making a mess of his life and waisting his inheritance. At the lowest point for him, he thinks of his father and how he treats his workers. The son has a repentant heart and returns back to his father saying "make me" into your servant. This is a parable of our relationship with God. We want our inheritance, but we want it on our terms. But, when we get to the place of repentance and want to "be made" in God's image and walk in God's ways, we become more mature in our faith and understand that being a servant for the Lord is the highest job we could have. Can you imagine God running toward you to welcome you back home? He is always ready to throw a big party when one of His lost children return!
This story also reminds me of my first lesson this week at Glenkirk's Women's Bible Study. We are studying Luke this year (still time to come join us!), and Luke starts out writing about the events that happened before Jesus' birth, which are very unique. We see some very ordinary people discover the extraordinary works of God.
First, an angel comes and tells a very old man, Zechariah, that he and his very old wife, Elizabeth, are going to have a baby. They have been childless, which was looked upon as a sign of not being in favor with God. Despite their pain, this couple is described as faithful in their worship of God. Zechariah is chosen out of a thousand men to enter the temple, and an angel appears to him. The first thing the angel says is , "Do not be afraid." He then tells Zechariah that he and Elizabeth are going to have a son. Zechariah doubts the words of the angel saying, "We are old." The angel reminds him that he is sent by God. Check-Mate!
This story leads into the story of Mary and an angel appearing before her. His first words are, "Do not be Afraid." This must be one big and awesome angel! Mary has a different reaction to the angel's message. She asks how God is going to give her a son (because she is a virgin), and then says, "I am the Lord's servant." That is some amazing faith to respond so humbly and with such faith!
These true accounts of what happened, before the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, remind us that though we have our doubts (Zechariah), God will still use us. And through the impossible, God can show His power and will for our lives when we humble ourselves (Mary) and become His servant. He is not a task master who works us hard! He is a God who walks along with us showing us the way and wanting to make our burdens lighter.
It does not matter where you are or what your social status is. You can be sitting in the pews or preaching on the stage, or writing a Blog, or working in a cubicle, or homeless. You have to come to your own personal decision to have God "make you" into His servant. God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. Sometimes it seems like a long wait to feel that you are doing something purposeful for God. Zechariah and Elizabeth continued to serve God even though they did not get their biggest prayer answered. God had different timing. Mary accepted how God was going to use her at an early age, even though she had to give up her own hopes and dreams for the future.
I prayed a prayer after listening to Joyce for God to "make me" more of a servant. Whatever it takes. Refine me, show me where I need to become more sensitive and humble. I don't want to be religious, I want to be relational and a reflection of the promises that God makes to everyone.
Sandy
