Coffee With The Lord

Sometime in our lives we will all face things that are terrifying to us – a situation that produces dread in our hearts.

Isaiah 33 raises that issue for God’s people Israel… The “destroyer” in this passage was probably “Assyria”. Assyria, in the ancient world, was the early purveyor of “shock and awe.” Their methods of warfare were notoriously cruel. They raped, pillaged and tortured their victims. God allowed them to be the agent of judgment upon His people for their sin…

In the face of that terrifying situation Isaiah voices a prayer on behalf of a righteous minority in the nation… He cried out, “O Lord, be gracious [merciful] to us!  We wait for you!  Be our arm every morning, our salvation in time of trouble!” (Isaiah 33.2 ESV).

Those words give voice to a prayer that I will need to pray someday in a terrifying situation! Perhaps you’re facing something like that right now! Perhaps it is a dreadful situation of your own making … Perhaps it isn’t. Doesn’t matter… PRAY THE PRAYER!! God will help you! He will sustain you!! He will be “your strong arm each day and your salvation in times of trouble!”

I read the story of Joseph in the Bible again this morning and his experiences in Potiphar’s house and in prison – as a slave and as a prisoner – a person who was treated unfairly and accused unjustly (Genesis 39).

Joseph is person who illustrates the adage “YOU CANNOT KEEP A GOOD MAN OR WOMAN DOWN!” Here is someone who shows us what it means to live with integrity and enjoy “THE FAVOR OF THE LORD”!! Here are some of the key phrases in the story [Check ‘em out in Genesis 39)…

“The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did… Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did… From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake… But the Lord was with Joseph in prison and showed him His faithful love… The Lord was with Joseph and caused everything he did to succeed.” (New Living Translation)

I WANT TO LIVE THAT WAY!! I want to deal with whatever life brings with such devotion to God and integrity that “the Lord MAKES me to prosper” and I enjoy “the favor of the Lord”!! I want to live my life daily in such a way that not only I am blessed but that others are blessed because of me… don’t you?

WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE WHEN YOU SEE A LARGE CROWD OF PEOPLE?

Are you overwhelmed by the size of the crowd? Maybe you’re intimidated… or perhaps you’re even relieved (you’d prefer to just be “lost in the crowd” – unnoticed, if you please)… or you might eye the crowd with a critical eye – just a gullible mob! … Or perhaps you’re the kind of person that would like to make a difference in people’s lives – but there are just so many needs… You feel overwhelmed!

Here is what the Bible says happened to Jesus (Matthew 9:35-38)… “Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and affliction… WHEN HE SAW THE CROWDS, HE HAD COMPASSION FOR THEM, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd…

I read these words in my Bible this morning and I’ve got to tell you, I want my response when I see the crowds of people today to be like the response of Jesus! … COMPASSION!!!

But I have to admit I’m only one person… I can make a difference in my sphere of influence, but I can’t reach out and help everyone! I can help a few one-on-one, or a small group – even on occasion a larger group… but a MULTITUDE?

That’s why Jesus went on to say to His disciples (His followers), I believe, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest!”

Jesus made a powerful, positive, redemptive impact when He was on earth! He brought an expression of “the Kingdom of God/the Kingdom of Heaven” to earth! We, His followers, are His representatives in our culture, our communities, our “crowds” – We’re “The Body of Christ!” (1 Corinthians 12:27-30; Ephesians 4:11-16; John 20:21-22) “We are commissioned to be His hands, His feet, His voice, and His healing presence in our communities and around the world. Our task is to represent Him, His message, and His ministry without distortion in the power of the Holy Spirit!” (My personal definition of “the Church”)

Oh Lord… WHEN WE SEE THE CROWDS, give us “compassion” and help us – enable us, and empower us! And send forth other laborers to assist in Your divine harvest!