Corona Devo 1118
Ever answer a "want ad"? They are usually written to catch our eye and interest. They are positive and even euphemistic in how they describe a job and the rewards.
But would we answer a "want ad" that said:
Help Wanted: Must be willing to become a spectacle to the entire world, will look like a fool and be ridiculed. May go hungry and thirsty at times and also won't have enough clothes to keep warm. Often beaten, and will have no home.
Strength needed, as will be required to work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. Must be willing to bless those who curse us and be patient with those who abuse us. If evil things are said about us--must appeal gently. Will be treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment. (I Corinthians 4:9-13)
Any takers?
Are we prepping our resumes to be sent in for this job "opportunity"?
It's a tough sell, isn't it? Who would ever choose this "job"?
Well...it's not really a "job" that Paul is describing in the Book of I Corinthians, Chapter 4...it's a calling. A calling to follow the Lord Jesus. To pick up our cross and follow Him because He went to the cross for us.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (25) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (26) For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? ~Matthew 16:24-25
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~Romans 5:8
The "want ad" for living-for-Jesus is a toughy at times. There are benefits and rewards, but most will be paid-out during eternity, and not during our time on this Earth. If we are to accept the "job opportunity" that God has for us as His children, we also should walk into it with our eyes wide open.
There will be hard times and that doesn't just mean physical trials. The social, emotional, and spiritual challenges will sometimes ring us out to dry, and Paul gets real honest with fellow believers about what's possibly down-the-pike for people who are all-in for the Prince of Peace:
Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike.
(10) Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. (11) Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. (12) We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. (13) We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment.
(20) For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. ~I Corinthians 4:9-13, 20
~~~
I'm not sure that Paul wrote that to "catch our eye and interest", and it is far from being "positive and euphemistic".
But I say, let's answer God's "want ad" anyway. Let's apply for this "job". Let's answer this "calling" from God today. He's worth it, and He's with us every step of the way. (And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~Matthew 28:20).
I like Claire George-Drumheller's "want ad" for Disciples that she wrote at Davidson College Presbyterian Church in North Carolina:
Wanted: Disciples
Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, God incarnate, Emmanuel, is looking for ordinary people
to be his disciples and to follow him. If you’re interested in working for the kingdom of God
here on earth, no cover letter or resume necessary; instead, ultimate loyalty and fidelity
required.
Duties include spreading the Good News, making disciples of all nations, baptizing in
the name of the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, and teaching followers to obey God in
Jesus Christ.
The job of disciple does not pay and comes with no benefits. Vacation and sick days
not included. Instead, the job of disciple comes at a cost, and you must weigh the cost before
committing.
If you’re still interested, contact God through prayer and through community. The
Holy Spirit will be in touch.
Any takers? I'm in. I know that you are too.
Are we prepping our resumes to be sent in for this job "opportunity"? No need. Jesus accepts anyone willing to follow Him, no matter what.
Let's answer the "want ad" to follow Jesus today. It is a tough sell, but the dividends will pay out for all of eternity.
Blessings,
sarah
https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com
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