The Unexpected

"Get up and get dressed. Go out and tell them whatever I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. For see, today I have had you immune to their attacks. You are strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. None of the kings, officials, priests, or people of Judah will be able to stand against you. They will try, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken." Jeremiah 1:17-19

This is how God sent out the prophet Jeremiah, a scared young man who thought that he was too young to speak for God. But God makes a habit of picking the unexpected ones. The broken ones. The hurt. The too young. Look at Moses, David, Paul. All unlikely people, each called despite apparent reasons for God not to use them.

"Look, I will send you out like sheep among wolves. Be wary as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and beaten in the synagogues. And you must stand trial before governors and king because you are my followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about me - yes, to witness to the world. When you are arrested, don;t worry about what to say in your defense, because you will be given the right words at the right time. For it won;t be you doing the talking - it will be the spirit of your father speaking through you... Don't be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill the body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both your soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:16-20,28

This is how Jesus sent out His twelve disciples. The fishermen, the tax collector, the one who would betray Him. None were Bible experts. They were normal men. Sinners. Cheaters. Cowards. Faithless. Unseeing.

"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe. They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them." Mark 16:15-18

This is how Jesus sends us out. The imperfect. The failures. The sinners. The cheaters. The too young. The desperate.

The unexpected.

God doesn't play favorites. He loves us all the same. It doesn't matter who we are or where we have been. What matters is where we are going now that He has called us. Leave the past to rest, and answer the call unburdened by failures and sins. He called you for a reason, and He believes in you. Shouldn't you?

Sam