Friday, January 26, 2007

Invitation to be Involved


The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward! Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it, and the Israelites shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” Exodus 14:15,16 Amplified Bible

Sometimes, God’s instructions to His people are to stand still and watch Him work! Their own involvement seems to be observing God at work. But many times in Scripture, God invites people to become involved in His activity. Such was the case with Moses and the children of Israel. Numerous times Moses was instructed to use his rod in a display of faith before God moved in a mighty way. There wasn’t anything miraculous about the rod that Moses held. The miracle was in God’s power. The rod was simply a demonstration of faith and an act of obedience.

In the New Testament there were many times people were instructed to do something before the miracle took place. A blind man was told to go wash his face in the Pool of Salome. A paralyzed man was told to get up and walk. A man with a withered hand was told to stretch out his hand. A leper was told to go show himself to the priest. These were small acts compared to the miracle that followed. How precious of God that He invited people to take an active part in the very work He would do!

Each day we have the opportunity to be God’s hands and mouthpiece to a world who does not know Him. While God certainly reveals Himself through His Word, He also reveals Himself through His people. He invites each one of us to become involved in His kingdom work. The actions vary but each one houses significance.

What is it God will invite us to join Him in today? Will it be words He nudges us to speak? Will it be an act of kindness He urges us to do? Will it be extending a helping hand or a listening ear? Will it be lifting up prayers on behalf of another person? Will it be giving in order to meet the need of a person? Will it be taking something we possess and allowing it to be the demonstration of our faith that God will do mighty things?

Moses used a rod. David used a sling. Queen Esther used influence. Paul used words. What is it we will use? Whatever it is, may we see God do amazing things with it and us!

Father, You could certainly work alone but instead You graciously ask us to join You. I marvel at such an invitation! Amen.