Scripture: God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. Ephesians 2:6,7

WHY ME?

“Why me?” is the plaintive cry so often shared with pastors by people who do not understand why tragedies and/or difficulties come their way. It is especially difficult to deal with when these types of things happen around a holiday. Then we have a tendency to associate for years the holiday and the crisis situation.

“Why Me?” ought to be the continual cry of the converted person who has had a personal encounter with God. To have shifted the focus of their lives from a selfish introspective life to one who has witnessed a miraculous transformation of restoring their soul by His grace. A case in point is the Apostle Paul, who was gloriously transformed into a new creature.

It is a fascinating study to look at the Apostle Paul’s life and how he was moved from being an aggressive anti-Christian to become a tireless propagator of the truth found in Jesus Christ. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul mentions several times about the “mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). Now this phrase has a different meaning than we would understand in contemporary times. When Paul talks about the “mystery of Christ”, he means God had given him the inside story on God’s mind and purposes. It refers to the revelation of God’s purposes for mankind in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Paul’s case he believed that God graciously called him to a special office. Paul was wonderfully chosen to be an apostle (one who witnessed Jesus himself) and shown things that were previously unknown to man but known to God. Paul believed that he had a destiny to fulfill and a role to play in the affairs of the world. This is the type of destiny that will drive a person to do extraordinary works and go to unbelievable lengths to achieve unprecedented things.

If you look closely you can see some of that taking place in the world now. There are people finding the Lord in the most unusual of places-in jail. We see Christian groups led by students in our high schools. We see churches working together to meet the needs of those less fortunate. I am hearing from pastors that there is an excitement in worship services throughout the country. It is not unusual to see two people in conversation at a store that will lead to spiritual matters. I am also seeing a renewed interest in prayer, that simple conversation with God and pouring out our souls and then receiving comfort and direction. Without the element of prayer we cannot have the mind and will of Christ.

History is full of the stories of men and women who have come on the human stage at a certain time in the economy of God to achieve things for God and man that must be achieved. Hudson Taylor, regarded by some of his missionary colleagues as a nobody, showed that in God’s plans for China he was somebody. We are seeing the fruit of his and many others ministry in the underground home churches flourishing in China today. Thousands are coming to Christ, even though they are persecuted for their faith.
Joni Eareckson Tada is another example of someone who has made a difference in the lives of so many persons who are physically disabled. These examples and more are what Paul talks about in Ephesians as being imitators of Christ.

This is radical thinking in our world because we have a tendency to classify people by either their denomination or where they live. God’s plan is to gather to Himself in Christ, people from every conceivable area of this world, every culture, every age, every race, and make them one in Christ. All barriers are to go, all divisions are to be resolved, gulfs are to be bridged, and wars reconciled. The incompatible are to become compatible, the irreconcilable must be reconciled, and the unloved must be lovely in our sight. Let us as the people of God open our hearts and minds to the “mystery of Christ” so that the Prince of Peace will unite as one people to really become God’s kingdom on earth. Only then will a person begin to see the real truth behind the phrase, “Why not, me?”

Ray Hartman
Cornersville, TN

Prayer: Lord, help us do our part to further your Kingdom on earth. Help us to be obedient servants and not stand in the way of your Spirit. Amen.

Prayer Tip: We must pray for all people everywhere, even the ones we don’t like or can identify with.

7-03-07