Saturday, November 13, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isaiah 48-50 and 1 Thess. 5
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isaiah 48-50 and 1 Thess. 5
THE LONGING FOR GREATNESS
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV) Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
What if you were destined for greatness? What if God’s plan is to make you truly great for all of eternity? Would that change how you are living your life? Would you be willing to try God’s counter-cultural way of achieving this? Let me tell you a secret – you were meant to be great. That does NOT mean that you were meant to have worldly honor and acclaim, for God has a much more excellent plan to fulfill your longing for greatness. Jesus never rebuked anyone for wanting to be great, only for fulfilling this longing the wrong way (Luke 11:43). We were made for greatness and honour, but the only way into God’s greatness is through the cross of Jesus and by walking in meekness and humility.
In Revelation 3:21 Jesus promises “to him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My Throne”. Think about it – sit on His throne!!! What does this mean? This means that we are going to reign and rule with Him in His eternal empire. Remember, that this for the overcomers, for those who have adequately prepared and that preparation may look different than you think. We’ll talk about that tomorrow.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1. Spend some time in listening prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to show you how you have gone about fulfilling your longing for greatness. Have you pushed your way to the top, controlled people, struggled with wanting power, been rude, etc?
2. Ask the Lord to show you what it means for you to be an overcomer. In what areas is He asking you to overcome?
3. Thank Him for His plan to transform you and give you a place on His throne. Praise Him for His kindness and goodness towards you.
