Word@Work 007 - Mark 1:14-15
Published: Tue, 11/20/07
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 1:14-15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (NIV)
It never feels good to be sidelined - I am sure that John was not wildly happy to be thrown into jail. But sometimes the next phase of God's work requires that you should be moved off stage, so that Jesus can move on.
This is not to denigrate your part; it merely clarifies that you are just a supporting actor and it is Jesus who has the lead role. If John had stayed around it might appear that Jesus was his disciple, instead of the other way around.
Today there are too many wannabe Christian 'stars', but that is not God's idea. We need to remember that Jesus and His people are not entertaining people with "The Prince of Peace" at some spiritual royal variety performance: the theatre is the theatre of war against spiritual darkness, and the weapon is love.
Jesus deliberately confronted the devil after His baptism and strategically marches into enemy (Satan's) territory. The gospel therefore puts the church onto a war footing more vital than any physical military campaign. As the territory is taken so the scouts, pathfinders and shock troops give way to the wider offensive. If foot soldiers fall they do so with honour knowing that others can continue the advance.
So do not be perplexed by the changes in your life - the Lord knows! He is, even now, allowing and arranging circumstances to maximise the effect of the gospel in and around your life. Do not be disturbed by disturbance - the Lord Jesus is on the move, and although your part may be less prominent than before, He knows that He will win the hearts and minds of many. The only blood to be shed - was His own!
Prayer: Dear Lord God, thank You for using me in some small way - help me to rejoice in the wisdom of Your love battle-plan so that I do not suffer disappointment when my role fades. Help me, in my working world, to rejoice in You, even though others may sideline me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
It never feels good to be sidelined - I am sure that John was not wildly happy to be thrown into jail. But sometimes the next phase of God's work requires that you should be moved off stage, so that Jesus can move on.
This is not to denigrate your part; it merely clarifies that you are just a supporting actor and it is Jesus who has the lead role. If John had stayed around it might appear that Jesus was his disciple, instead of the other way around.
Today there are too many wannabe Christian 'stars', but that is not God's idea. We need to remember that Jesus and His people are not entertaining people with "The Prince of Peace" at some spiritual royal variety performance: the theatre is the theatre of war against spiritual darkness, and the weapon is love.
Jesus deliberately confronted the devil after His baptism and strategically marches into enemy (Satan's) territory. The gospel therefore puts the church onto a war footing more vital than any physical military campaign. As the territory is taken so the scouts, pathfinders and shock troops give way to the wider offensive. If foot soldiers fall they do so with honour knowing that others can continue the advance.
So do not be perplexed by the changes in your life - the Lord knows! He is, even now, allowing and arranging circumstances to maximise the effect of the gospel in and around your life. Do not be disturbed by disturbance - the Lord Jesus is on the move, and although your part may be less prominent than before, He knows that He will win the hearts and minds of many. The only blood to be shed - was His own!
Prayer: Dear Lord God, thank You for using me in some small way - help me to rejoice in the wisdom of Your love battle-plan so that I do not suffer disappointment when my role fades. Help me, in my working world, to rejoice in You, even though others may sideline me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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