Wednesday, November 17, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isaiah 57-59 and 1 Timothy 1
THE LONGING FOR GREATNESS
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 19:17 (NIV) Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
Scripture tells us of a time when Jesus spoke to a group of people who anticipated that He was going to overthrow the government of Rome and Israel. They expected Him to bring His Kingdom very quickly and they wanted to be lined up for positions of influence when He did. But this was not God’s plan so to teach this Jesus told a parable about a demanding man who gave his servants varying levels of responsibility. He illustrated the principle of being willing to work hard at a beginner level. Read Luke 19:11-27. Jesus showed that doing little things well right now leads to opportunities to do big things later. This is not just true in the natural it is also true in the spiritual realm. Being a humble worker in this age translates directly into having authority in the age to come. One of the most important factors in determining greatness in the age to come is faithfulness. “Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” Matthew 25:21 (NKJV)
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1. In listening prayer, asking God to reveal to you areas of your life where you have not been faithful, where you have broken promises or not fulfilled what you committed to.
2. Spend some time confessing these things as sin. Ask God to forgive you and to restore you. Ask Him to empower you to obey Him in these areas. In listening prayer, ask God if there are any practical things that he wants you to do in order to make things right.
3. Pray that you will follow through on the commitment that you have made today. Ask God to strengthen your obedience in being faithful in the small things.
