Sunday, July 31, 2011 - Everybody Wins

"'You are My witnesses,' declares the LORD, 

'and My servant whom I have chosen, 

so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He." 

Isaiah 43:10

     There's something odd about Isaiah 43:10. Why did God say "witnesses" (plural) but "servant" (singular)? Was He addressing many individuals or just one?  Both.  God called individual Israelites to use their individual mouths and lives as witnesses to specific ways He had shown them compassion. He also addressed the nation of Israel as one body to serve Him as one body. Today He calls His people to tell other people the wonders of His Love as we go about our days doing the most daily things.

"He has caused His wonders to be remembered;

the LORD is gracious and compassionate." 

Psalm 111:4

He also calls the Church,the Body of Christ, to serve Him as a single-minded servant: to bring Him Glory and "to make His mighty power known."

     The second odd thing about Isaiah 43:10 is who benefits from our individual witness and our united service: "so that you (the witnesses, the servant) may know and believe Me and understand that I am He."  Remembering and telling others how God blesses us personally and serving Him as a united body not only brings Him Glory but reinforces our own knowledge of Who He is and our faith in His Character. Everybody wins when we witness and serve together: God is glorified, people see and hear about the wonders of His Love, and our own faith is renewed.

"Yet He saved them for His Name's sake, to make His mighty power known." 

Psalm 106:8

Father, forgive us for always asking "What's in it for me?" but thank You for the built-in rewards You promise when we serve You in the ways You call us to serve. Your Grace more than suffices. Your Presence lights our lives. You've saved us from eternal misery. You guide us in the smallest decisions and You reveal Yourself to us in unexpected ways. Thank You. Your Compassions never fail. We fall on You as our only Support. We give You glory for every blessing. Help us live for Your Name's Sake.

In the Name of Jesus, Who lived, died and rose again to make Your Mighty Power known