Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A rod." he replied. (Exodus 4:2)
The Lord reminded me this week of a sermon I heard a few years back, given by David Ring. You may not know anything about David, but I will tell you that he is a gifted preacher. The other thing that you need to know about David is that he was born with cerebral palsy. It is difficult at first to understand him when he speaks, but oh it is worth taking the time.
I heard David preach on the verse at the top. When he read the verse, it sounded like he said a wad, and not a rod, so after letting everyone have a laugh, he decided to call it a stick.
Today, as I read the devotional book that Dan and I use, I was again reminded that God uses people that others might think are inferior.
A lay preacher with limited education spoke at a service, using Luke 19:21 as his text: "Lord, I feared thee, for you are an austere man." The preacher thought the text was referring to an Oyster Man.
He explained how a diver must grope in dark, freezing water to retrieve oysters, cutting his hands on the sharp edges of the shells. Once he has the oyster, he returns to the surface, holding "it in his torn, bleeding hands." He likened this to Christ descending from heaven to this earth, in order to retrieve humans and bring them back up with Him, to the glory of heaven. His torn and bleeding hands are a sign of the value He placed on us.
At the end of the service, 12 people received Christ.
So, today, I am thanking God that He uses "ordinary people" and circumstances, to bring glory to His name.
So, what is that in your hand? Is it a rod, a stick, a child's hand, a computer?
" We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10)
Father, I praise you that I don't have to be perfect to be used by you. Show me, Lord , just WHAT IS IN My Hand!!
4 comments:
What a great devotional! I need to start asking God more what my gifts are and to show me how to use them. Up until a couple of years ago, I'd never heard of David Ring, but our Sunday School class watched a few of his videos a while back. A very inspiring man who makes it very clear there's no good excuse NOT to serve God!
Hi Sharon!
I loved this post of yours.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a message. Yes, God is in control and if we have 'prayed our children through' their decisions, we get to trust that He will direct their paths.
Hey cool!! I Love your site and another Christian Blogging Buddy!! YES!!
I have been blogging for almost 3 years now and have so enjoyed it. We have had Blogging BABES BLASTS..twice now so I have been fortunate to meet many of those that I blog with. We are always INSTANT FRIENDS when we meet.
Stop by again..Sandy
This was a great post.
A few years ago I would have been so caught up in the mistake over the scripture that I would have missed the incredible lesson. That was great. Loved the comparison between the oyster gatherer and Jesus.
I have caught David Rind once or twice on T.V. What a blessing.
We are all just Vessels for the Master use--we just need to be willing.
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