Privileged To Participate

            Some of the biblical stories that portray the faith of particular individuals show them doing some really weird things.  Constructing a watertight box and collecting pairs of animals.  Soldiers marching around the city of Jericho in silence.  Cutting up animals and throwing their blood around.  Fighting a battle by holding a torch in one hand and a trumpet in the other.  And it makes me laugh to read about the strange things God required the prophet Ezekiel to do.

            I often wondered why God would make people do such strange things.  Why didn’t God just make something happen and place His people where He wanted them to begin with?  What possible reason could there be for having people go through the weird motions that they did?

            It wasn’t until recently that the answer occurred to me.  God wants His people to participate with Him in the great events that He directs.  Participation gives us a sense of ownership in the success of an endeavor.  It tends to burn into our memory the grand occasion we were a part of.  To work through a challenge with God provides us with feelings of worth and accomplishment.  And when we read about the faithful participating in certain events - even though the actions at the time didn’t really make sense - we learn about the supreme privilege God provides for all of us to help Him bring about something important in the lives of men.

            Is it any wonder, then, that Jesus chose 12 special participants to carry on His work after His resurrection (Mark 3)?  Do we comprehend the importance of why the apostles appointed special servants (deacons) to help minister to the needs of the early church (Acts 6)?  Can you see why Paul appointed elders (shepherds) in each congregation (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5)?  No one is strong enough to do all the work necessary by themselves.  We need to work together in order to be successful.  And it also provides more individuals with the privilege of participating with God in the work of saving souls.

            God has given each of us special abilities so that everyone has a place to participate in His kingdom (Romans 12:6-8).  Spiritual leaders would be wise to make sure that every member has something to do in the work of the church.  Don’t see this as a duty; a requirement.  Grow in your spiritual walk with Christ so that you can appreciate participating with Him as a privilege; a special benefit God gives to only the most honored among the faithful.

Doug