“I have chosen you.” (John 15:16a, KJV )
Today, a reminder from Oswald Chambers’ devotional, “My Utmost for His Highest”: “Keep that note of greatness in your creed. It is not that you have got God, but that He has got you.” – Luther
“If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved; yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15)
One year ago (January 9, 2025), our nation honored the late former President Jimmy Carter in a state funeral in Washington, DC.
As I’ve personally reflected on the many remembrances from others of Carter’s accomplishments during his extraordinary century-long life — many of them related to his political career; the only enduring remembrances are related to what he had done as a devoted Christian disciple. In the 40 years following his defeat for a second term in the U. S. presidency, Carter used his stature as a former president to pursue the imperatives of the Gospel: Feeding the hungry, ensuring clean water for the thirsty, hospitality to the strangers amongst us, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and the imprisoned. (Ref. Matthew 25: 31 – 46).
Contrast his stewardship with the apparent stewardship of others who have left similar official positions of power and privilege only to “cash-in,” or to secure a place far, far from poverty, trouble, and the disenfranchised.
The scriptures remind us that all of our work will be tested, as through fire. What we have done for ourselves will not survive this test. Only what we have done for God, and for others — as if it were for Christ, will survive.
Paul, in writing to the disciples in Corinth — which was like the New York City of Paul’s day — said: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) It is easy to commend the life of our brother Jimmy Carter as one worthy of emulating. Not for the perishable baubles and fickle accolades of this earthly existence; but, for the deeds that count for eternity and are commended by our Father and Creator, God. – Luther
“‘Here comes that dreamer!’, they said to each other. ‘Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.’” (Genesis 37:19-20, NIV)
The maltreatment of Joseph began with the evil plans of his brothers.
Joseph’s brothers resented Joseph on many levels: He was their father’s favorite son (and Joseph made no secret that he knew that his father’s favor rested on him); and Joseph made much of his dreams, in which he seemed always to be the hero.
The good news here is that God works on many levels, too. Joseph’s circumstances were used by God to fit Joseph for God’s work; he used the brothers’ guilt to provoke confession and true repentance; and throughout, God was glorified for His love and His mercy.
Like Joseph, we do not know where life will take us; but we should never doubt that God is at work in our circumstances — however hopeless from our perspective — to transform us into the image of Christ; to bless others; and to glorify God. If we are convinced of this, though we may fall down, we shall not stay down! – Luther
Daily Encouragement 