Greetings St. John’s Lutheran Church!
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. –2 Corinthians 4:7-10
If Jesus wanted the good news about God’s love to be spread throughout the world, why didn’t he give us super powers to help us accomplish this task? The super powers of intelligence and wisdom could help us to illuminate the work of God in Jesus to all people. The super powers of extraordinary strength and unending energy could help us to do good deeds for days at a time. The super powers of influence and persuasion could help us to pressure national leaders to use resources to help those who truly need it. It doesn’t seem logical for God to send out disciples who often get confused, run out of energy, and have little influence over others. But this is exactly what God does.
God sends out flawed human beings to do the work of spreading a message of forgiveness and love. Why? Because it is this very weakness that allows others to see that it is God who is truly at work – not us, not human beings. The amazing things that we accomplish in God’s name are only possible with God’s wisdom, strength, and power. If it were not so, think how quickly we would be tempted to take the credit for ourselves!
This also means other ordinary people can see that they too can do extraordinary work for God. Not everyone chooses to be a disciple, but truly anyone can be a disciple and accomplish great things with God’s help.
Have you limited your own ministry, because you were afraid that you didn’t have what it takes? Think again. Pray about it. Talk with people you trust. God could be at work in you in ways that you would not dare to imagine or believe.
In Christ, Pastor Kat