Taking in and giving out

“Go, and tell this people.” Isaiah 6:9 NKJV

When you’re involved in God’s work, it’s easy to get out of balance and end up enjoying the work of the Lord more than the Lord of the work. First, Jesus called His disciples to Him; then, He sent them out from Him. The power you need to succeed in your God-given assignment comes from the time you spend with the Lord, not people. One day Jesus took three of His disciples to the top of the Mount of Transfiguration. “His face shone like the sun…there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus” (Matthew 17:2-3 NIV). Peter was elated by the experience: “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters” (v. 4 NIV). Peter wanted to stay, but God spoke from heaven and said, “This is My beloved Son….Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). Afterward, Jesus took His disciples back down the mountain and they began to minister to needy people. It’s good to have periodic “mountaintop experiences” with God, but you can’t stay there. There is work to be done at the foot of the mountain, and we have been called to do it. There must be a balance between taking in and giving out. One day a year, the high priest entered the holiest of holies and had the privilege of seeing God’s glory. What an honour! But the rest of the year was spent outside, ministering to the people. After an encounter with God during which the building shook, Isaiah cried, “I am undone” (Isaiah 6:5 NKJV). Then God touched his mouth and said, “Go, and tell this people” (v. 9 NKJV). Are you getting the idea?

Bible in a year: Genesis 49-50 and Matthew 13: 31-58