I don’t know what those who might be reading today’s post in “Coffee with the Lord” might be facing… It may be desperate! In my Bible reading this morning one of the passages I read was Psalm 88. It is traditionally attributed to Heman the Ezrahite and is a psalm of the sons of Korah. Heman was facing death and didn’t know what to do… His situation was desperate!! He did the right thing, it seems to me… He prayed! No, more than that – He CRIED OUT to God!!
Here it is in his own words… “O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you! Let my prayer come before you! Incline your ear to my cry! My soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol [the grave]. … O LORD I cry to you! In the morning my prayer comes before you!” (From Psalm 88 ESV)
I only hope that when I’m facing a desperate situation – even if it is one of my own making – I have the good sense to “CRY OUT TO GOD!” Just let me urge you to do the same… The Lord hears! The Lord answers! The Lord helps and delivers those who cry out Him! Just do it! (And if you’ll let me know your need, I’ll join you! …I’ll cry out to God with you!)
I ADMIT IT… I’M PREDICTABLY FOR THE UNDERDOG! When I’m watching sports, I love to see an “an upset” – I love to see the vaunted superior team “knocked off!” All the pundits don’t give them a chance, but they beat out the “big boys!” I just love it! Makes me chuckle!
The story (and song) of Mary, the mother of Jesus is that kind of story… (Just read it again this morning during “coffee with the Lord”)
A little unknown maiden – a virgin – is visited by an angel – a “top dog” heavenly messenger – in a little “no-name” town in Galilee… And listen to what he says to her… “Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you!” (Scares her half to death!) Then he says, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” – That’s right, “FAVOR WITH GOD!” Listen you will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. HE WILL BE GREAT, AND WILL BE CALLED THE SON OF THE MOST HIGH, AND THE LORD GOD WILL GIVE HIM THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER DAVID… AND HIS KINGDOM WILL NEVER END!”
Shocked, Mary says, “How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with any man?” To which the angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. THEREFORE THE CHILD TO BE BORN WILL BE HOLY! HE WILL BE CALLED THE SON OF GOD! … NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!”
Several months later, pregnant with Jesus, Mary visits Elizabeth, a relative of hers (who herself is experiencing a miraculous pregnancy)… When Mary arrives and greets Elizabeth, her baby leaps in her womb and the Bible says “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud voice, ‘BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN AND BLESSED IS THE CHILD IN YOUR WOMB! WHO AM I THAT THE MOTHER OF MY LORD SHOULD COME AND VISIT ME?!’”
And that brings us to Mary’s song of praise… “And Mary said, ‘My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! He has looked upon the humble state of His servant. For FROM NOW ON ALL GENERATIONS WILL CALL ME BLESSED. He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name! From generation to generation He is merciful to those who fear Him… HE HAS BROUGHT DOWN THE MIGHTY FROM THEIR THRONES AND HAS LIFTED UP THOSE OF LOWLY POSITION! HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS, AND HAS SENT THE RICH AWAY EMPTY!” (from Luke 1:26-55 in the NET Bible)
Yup! I just love to see an “underdog” achieve, be blessed, and win! MARY’S STORY GIVES EVERY UNKNOWN PERSON FROM A LITTLE BACKWOODS TOWN SOMEWHERE NO ONE EVER HEARD ABOUT, HOPE THAT GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR THEIR LIFE, CAN CHOOSE THEM, BLESS THEM, AND USE THEM TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS! Perhaps that “underdog” is YOU! I’ve been incredibly honored that he chose to use me! Still find it difficult to comprehend!
As we approach “Pentecost Sunday” … A brief interpretive (and applicational) comment on Zechariah 4:6-7… If you’re faced with an incredible (nearly impossible) challenge of “rebuilding” a ministry, a life, a reputation, a relationship, even a marriage… You’ve got Divine help! “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts!” … Check the entire passage out – Zechariah 4
Coffee With The Lord 