So… do I want to know God so I can do mighty exploits which would allow me to tell exciting tales? Selfishness and pride are always lurking to poison motives and taint fruit. Even the apostles fell into the trap of wanting to ‘be the greatest.’ Jesus does not invite followers (or churches) to compete with one another, but he does give a secret: “He who is least among you all – he is the greatest.”
The motive of ‘knowing God’ is not to be better than someone else but to be more like Jesus. Am I willing to become the least? Am I willing to become of no reputation? To better know God requires getting rid of ‘self’ and allowing the Holy Spirit to have his way in correcting, teaching, and molding me into the image of the Son. And my journey will not be alone. Jesus has a beautiful understanding of community. The Son prayed for unity – “that they may be one as we are one; I in them and you in me.” Wow.
The mighty exploits are the works of Jesus. He said, “You shall do even greater things!” When our son Taylor was in Cambodia, one of the team members was physically touched in a miraculous way. A leg that was shorter than the other from birth literally grew as friends prayed in faith. The miracle was the work of Jesus, but believers participated in God’s mighty work by believing and praying. As you might imagine, there was a great celebration as a young man jumped for joy with an improved body.
“So why didn’t God heal you instantly of your cancer? Do you have to go to Cambodia to witness such exploits?” God knows the answer to these types of questions; I don’t. I can tell you of exploits though. People brought food, sent cards, encouraged my family, visited me in the hospital, and prayed fervently. A sister in Christ drove six or seven hours one way just to see me in person. While in town, she served and loved my wife and children. She also sang in my hospital room with her beautiful voice and encouraged me in faith. To me, these actions were mighty exploits. No friend boasts that he was my greatest supporter and no one should feel guilty, saying he did not do enough. God brought about what was needed… and he received glory.
Jesus loves to bring his Father glory and we have the wonderful honor of joining him. Read afresh the story in the first ten verses of Luke 7. A Gentile centurion grieved because his loyal servant was sick and about to die. When he heard Jesus, the healer, was in town he sent some people get him. The ones who went to Jesus were Jewish elders! Though very different from their friend, these Jews loved the centurion saying he was a deserving man who had built the town’s synagogue. Jesus agreed to follow them, but before they arrived, the centurion sent other friends to give Jesus a message. “I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. I know what it is like to receive orders and to give orders. If you just say the word, sir, I know my servant will be healed.” Jesus was amazed at the soldier’s faith and encouraged the crowd to take note. Jesus then spoke the word and the sick man was healed. What a tale! One guy had great faith, one group went to get Jesus, another group delivered a humble message, the crowd received instruction, and (my favorite) the sick man was healed! I’ll bet everyone celebrated!
Our principal, Scott Harsh, has recently been diagnosed with lymphoma and started treatment this week. Lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma are the three main blood cancers, so I know a little about Scott’s struggle. I also know this: brothers and sisters in Christ will love, serve, and encourage the whole family through this trial. There will be fervent prayer and much burden-bearing. Scott and his family will feel God’s strength and in those times when little is ‘felt’ or understood, God will still be with them. Though mighty exploits may not occur in the exact way we desire, faith, hope, and love will shine forth and God will receive glory. Please pray for the Harsh family.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13