Devotional 050209

Dear brothers and sisters,
Good morning. It is good to be home. Thank you for praying for my trip to Mexico City. I had a fruitful trip that was fully packed with activities. I did not know how tired I was until I woke up this morning – my body cried out for rest. It was wonderful to see God’s amazing work in the life of His church in Mexico City. Our mission is to plant the seed of Church in each unreached people group in the world. If we are able to do our job well in making disciples within each people group, they will in turn multiply and become an outreaching Body among their own kinsmen. This is like how Jesus described about the Kingdom of God, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:30-32). We are the Mustard Seed of His Kingdom in this world. Are we willing to give God the freedom to cast us to whichever community where they need the blessings of the gospel?

"Yea, even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you" (Philippians 2:17). Are you willing to be offered for the work of the faithful - to pour out your life-blood as a libation on the sacrifice of the faith of others? Or do you say - "I am not going to be offered up just yet, I do not want God to choose my work. I want to choose the scenery of my own sacrifice; I want to have the right kind of people watching and saying, 'Well done.'

It is one thing to go on the lonely way with dignified heroism, but quite another thing if the line mapped out for you by God means being a door-mat under other people's feet. Suppose God wants to teach you to say, "I know how to be abased" - are you ready to be offered up like that? Are you ready to be not so much as a drop in a bucket - to be so hopelessly insignificant that you are never thought of again in connection with the life you served? Are you willing to spend and be spent; not seeking to be ministered unto, but to minister? Some saints cannot do menial work and remain saints because it is beneath their dignity. Are you willing to do so?

This is a good question for our introspection. We said we are willing to be slave of Christ. But when people really treat you as a slave, we react and protest. We want to be recognized. We want to be treated ‘fairly.’ But when people treat us as ‘nobody’ especially in church, we get upset. Have mercy on us O Lord! If we say we are the follower of Christ, help us to live with the heart of Christ, “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matt 11:29b). For the sake of the well being of other believers, are you willing to laid down your pride or honor, not with a long face but with the joy in Christ? It is indeed our distinct honor to suffer humiliation for the sake of Christ and His Body.

Love you with the Heart of Christ,
Lawrence