SOWING AND REAPING
“Yeshua called his twelve disciples and gave them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease and weakness.” (Matt.10:1)
Let’s consider briefly the text of this pivotal episode with Yeshua’s disciples who were given authority to minister with power in the miraculous. What an honour and privilege for them to be commissioned and trusted by Yeshua for this task!Everything appears breathtakingly good until we realise that the same person who experienced the heights of God’s glory, Judas Iscariot, (one of the twelve) later forsook his position as a member of Yeshua’ inner circle and chose instead to be His betrayer rather than His friend.
What can one say? Although experiencing miracles is wonderful in every way and exercising His authority over the dark hordes of hell needful, it must always be an outflow of who we are in Him rather than an end in itself. Judas was a classic example of this.
Each believer has been commissioned by God to represent Him well in whatever capacity one may be serving, and every calling from Him is a royal calling – there is no such thing as a second-class believer! Therefore, let’s not despise the day of small beginnings but rather keep our eyes fixed on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Although it’s sometimes hard to focus on these things when we’re in the midst of small beginnings, God is faithful to accomplish His best in our lives even when they may appear insignificant to man.
A key part of building spiritual character is through cultivating an appreciation for the spiritual treasure house of small things, as one learns to see behind appearances and look, as Yeshua did, a little deeper. Whether we be sent out in the public arena to evangelise the nations, heal the sick and drive out demons, or remain as a nameless and faceless, honouring Him in the day-to-day routines of life, God only differentiates through obedience not by merit or status.
Be encouraged today that even though you may be overlooked by others you will never be overlooked by God, something Judas Iscariot could only reflect upon but never apprehend.
Raphael ben Levi
