The other evening, several of us attended the presentation of a new Christian musicale entitled THE ROCK AND THE RABBI. You are right if you guessed that it was the story of Peter (the Rock) and Jesus (the Rabbi). The musicale was essentially drawn from the gospels. It was a wonderful event. Early in the musicale, after the Rabbi met the Rock, Peter responded by singing this catchy song:
My name is Simon, He calls me Rock,
Is He asking me for more than I've got?
This short refrain is sung occasionally during the presentation. Peter was genuinely shocked to think that Jesus took an interest in him . . . to think that Jesus saw something in him that no one else saw in him . . .to think that Jesus could take a very ordinary guy and make him into something truly special. Peter wondered if ever he (a speck of sand) could ever become a rock. And so he pondered this question . . . Is He asking me for more than I've got?
Peter wasn't the first, nor was he the last, to feel overwhelmed with his own inadequacy. Moses, too, felt more useless than useful to do what God had called him to do. These two biblical giants, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, couldn't believe that God had something special for them to do. There are Christians today who sing the same refrain . . .Oh God, are you asking me for more than I've got?
No two of us is the same. God has creatively woven into the fabric of our lives so many things that make us distinctly unique. Each of us has physical talents and spiritual gifts. We have different backgrounds, different schooling, and different friendships. We eventually recognize that God has been individually grooming us to be and to do what He has called us to be and to do. Yet we, too often, think the same thoughts that Peter had, don't we? Oh God, are you asking me for more than I've got?
• NO . . . He is not asking you for more than you've got because He knows what you've got.
• NO . . . He is not asking you for more than you've got because He gave you everything that you've got.
• NO . . . He is not asking you for more than you've got because we are not called to "solo assignments." He is not asking us, "what can you do on your own?" He is not looking for people who arrogantly think they can do what He has called them to do. Rather, He is looking for willing people who know that HE IS THE ABLE ONE. He wants to do His work IN us and THROUGH us.
Perhaps you have thought along these lines: If only I had more talent . . . If only I lived in a more friendly setting . . . If only I had more money . . . If only . . . If only . . . .
Instead of such thoughts, let's more honestly determine to live and to serve with the abilities and circumstances THAT WE DO HAVE. He has placed you right where He wants you to be. He has gifted you with the gifts He wants you to have for His ministry right now.
Let's embrace the truth that Paul expressed in Ephesians 3:20-21:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thank You, Lord, for inviting me into ministry partnership with you.
Founder, Senior Associate
