Matthew 10:21-42 <\/p>\n
Empowering the powerless makes it clear that \"Christ is Lord.\" It is another important truth that we must see as Jesus appointed the Apostles for their initial ministry. God's word can be very disappointing when it does not deliver what we want to hear. Here, Jesus gave the Apostles, not only the authority to be powerful, but, the purpose for why it was allowed. God's power is authenticated by God's wise purposes. As the Lord unveils some specific details of what was going to happen to His followers then, this makes us understand how to see the bigger picture of the Lordship of Christ. <\/p>\n
Let us make it a habit to see the bigger picture of things within the context of God's glory. Seeing things beyond ourselves and our personal interest is powerlessness and spiritual depth. If we see the bigger picture while still in the context of self, we will only see a big, and enlarged \"selfie.\" <\/p>\n
When we bow to the rule of Christ, we develop kingdom convictions that would become kingdom commitments. Here, Christ, being Lord, is crystal-clear. Personally, when I begin to see the big picture within the context of God's glory, I don't only see the holiness of God's purpose, but also, the humor of how God's power is displayed. I end up more smiling than whining. <\/p>\n
This time, the Apostles should now slowly see themselves, not as powerful people but powerless . . . empowered to make the Lordship of Christ crystal-clear. More than their power to get even with their enemies, they had been empowered to face their persecutors and die a Christ-like death that brought life to many. Their (apostles) martyrdom was a preview of the shattered expectations that the Lordship of Christ produced. Being empowered and authorized to dispense God's mandate made them bow down to Christ. <\/p>\n
Here, it is clearly manifested that as Christ is Lord, He is above our expectations; as Christ is Lord, He is ahead of every enemy; as Christ is Lord, He can turn an accident into an experience of deep spiritual enlightenment. <\/p>\n
As we learn to see the large frame, we soon discover our various roles and appreciate His power over our powerlessness. When we know our role, we learn to respect the roles God assigned to others as agents of redemption. Soon, we view each other as co-workers and not as rivals . . . as coming from one Vine. Becoming powerless is a continuous powerful encounter and experience with God. We see the big picture, we know our role, we respect other agents of change commissioned by the same Lord, and we will be maximized to be what Christ wants us to be. Indeed, Jesus Christ is Lord. <\/p>\n
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 05, 2015.<\/p>\n
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Read the original here:<\/p>\n
Tan: Empowering the powerless 2<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Matthew 10:21-42 Empowering the powerless makes it clear that \"Christ is Lord.\" It is another important truth that we must see as Jesus appointed the Apostles for their initial ministry. God's word can be very disappointing when it does not deliver what we want to hear Continue reading