There’s something in each of us wanting to be the headliner. Each of us, on some level, wants to be the MVP, the number one pick, the CEO, the homecoming queen, America's Idol, or the protagonist of the big show. That mentality, unchecked, can readily become the seedbed of discontent and sin.
Throughout the Bible, there are periods when God’s people were enslaved and exiled. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400+ years. The northern kingdom fell to Babylon. The southern kingdom fell to Persia. The church was scattered following Jesus’ death. Despite this, there has always been a faithful and enduring remnant preserved by God.
In the Bible, the advancement and proliferation of God’s Kingdom rarely occur through expected channels (prophets, priests, kings, scholars, or religious leaders). Instead, it frequently occurs via highly unlikely characters, such as prostitutes, foreigners, and even magi (wise men).
It would have been easy, logical even, to give up hope and faith after 400+ years of slavery in Egypt. A mother’s faith endured amid the bleak landscape of seemingly unending oppression. The foundations of Jochebed’s faith were then passed along to her son, Moses.
When we come to the New Testament, Matthew’s gospel mentions wise men or “magi from the east.” Despite knowing the content of Scripture (see Matt 2:4-6), the chief priests weren’t looking. The scribes weren’t looking. The Pharisees and Sadducees weren’t looking. King Herod wasn’t looking. Instead, it was a group of Persian astrologers, i.e. magi, who knew where, when, and what to look for.
But why? Why were they looking? How did they even know what to look for? After the fall of Judah (c.586 BC) to the Persians, it’s likely that some unremarkable person simply endured by faith. Amid exile and foreign occupation, they lived out their faith daily. Relationships flourished. Scripture was shared. Questions were answered. Seeds were planted, and the testimony of God’s character, glory, and faithfulness were adorned. People began talking, thinking, anticipating, and looking. Then, one-day generations later, His star was seen in the east and the Magi set out for Jerusalem to worship Him and adorn Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. After arriving, Scripture tells us, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure… falling to their knees, they worshiped Him.”
When we chase after life’s golden ticket and attempt to make ourselves the center of the story, we miss the boat entirely. The truth is, we don’t have control over the outcomes. God does. Some are blessed with prolific ministries and global influence. Far more are blessed with meager local ministries. But, as Scripture shows, it’s typically those faithful ones with the meager ministries whom God uses to accomplish His will, advance His Kingdom, and achieve His Mission.
It’s easy to shoot up quickly in times of prosperity and blessing. Jesus said, “when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately those fall away.” He goes on to say, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Are you holding out for some lottery downpour of blessing before you begin living your faith daily? What kind of testimony is that? Or are you the kind of saint, disciple, and friend of Jesus who flourishes regardless of circumstance… despite slavery, despite oppression, despite trials, struggles, and troubles. Are you blessing those around you by adorning faith in Christ in all things at all times? Are you waiting for some grand-slam moment to shine, or are you faithful in, and with, every moment?
There’s no greater ministry than faithfulness to the task at hand.
The task at hand is enduring obedience.
The result is joy beyond measure.
The outcome is worship.
Maybe your life will be one that profoundly impacts someone like Moses, David, or Billy Graham. Maybe not. Either way, it’s for God to determine. Our part is faithful endurance.
Blessings,
-Kevin M. Kelley
aMostUnlikelyDisciple.com
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