Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Matthew 10 – Not Limited by My Limitations
Not Limited by My Limitations
In Matthew 10, Jesus selects 12 men to serve as apostles. Then Jesus gives them a “limited commission.” This task is beyond anything they have ever tried, and more importantly, beyond their own personal abilities. We are like this too, and that is a good thing!
The German theologian Friedrich Justus Knecht (d. 1921) reflects on the question, “Why did our Lord Jesus Christ choose for this stupendous office twelve ignorant men, of a low station in life, and of no importance in the eyes of the world?” He answers, “It was to show to the whole world that the maintenance and spread of the Church and her doctrine were not due to human wisdom and learning, but solely to His grace and protection.” He then cites 1 Corinthians 1:27-28.
What “credentials” did the apostles have? What religious training qualified them for this job? Usually when thinking of credentials, we think of educational credentials that qualifies someone. Then we might consider experience, life-lessons, the “school of hard knocks” as some phrase it. In religion, often the credentials are a degree from a seminary or something similar. Obviously, the 12 apostles did not have any of those “credentials”.
In recasting this concept to today, another type of “credentials” would be our talents, abilities, skills, gifts, and such. Too many Christians don’t get involved in work they can and should do because they are solely relying upon their “credentials” instead of divine power. This divine power isn’t miraculous today, but I am not one to limit God’s ability to “qualify the unqualified”! Think of Moses and Jeremiah. Plus, Jesus often sent people out two by two. This means another way we can serve despite lacking personal “credentials” is to work as a team with someone who has what we don’t. From a secular perspective, this describes every sports team there is. A third way of serving despite lacking personal “credentials” is to learn. Jesus spent three years with the apostles discipling them to follow his example. Be willing to go beyond your natural abilities by becoming a servant.
Can we see how relying upon man-made “credentials” is relying more upon ourselves than God? Jesus chose 12 men to show the world that everything depends upon God. Are we willing to allow God to work through us? If so, then we are not limited by our limitations.
Comments