Scripture for this day:
Exodus 39:1-40:38
Mark 1:1-28
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 9:11-12
Portions which jumped out at me today:
"They mounted the two onyx stones in settings of gold filigree. The stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, just as a seal is engraved. He fastened these stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that the priest represents the people of Israel All this was done just as the Lord had commanded Moses." -Exodus 39:6-7
"John announced: 'Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am--so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'" -Mark 1:7-8
The first portion from Exodus, as soon as I read it, gave me a mental image of myself in my Salvation Army officers' uniform, with the red and the one star on my shoulders. It really meant something to me because just as Aaron was set apart with his clothing as God's holy priest, along with his sons, and the generations that would follow from his line into priesthood, I am also set apart because of the decision I made to become a Salvation Army officer, a "priest" in my own right, a pastor/minister to my people where I find myself at. Although I do not think more of myself than I should, I do realize that God has chosen me, just as he chose Aaron and his sons, and his generations thereafter, to be set apart and lead his people, minister to them, and seek God's will for their lives. This responsibility is not a burden, but it is at the same time. It is hard to explain. I am responsible for the lives of the men, women, children, and youth in my congregation. With this responsibility comes a large weight to be carried, but God has called me to do it, and He will strengthen and help me to do it. I know that there is no way I can do this on my own, no one can. It is only by His grace that I do what I do, and am strengthened to do what I must do. One of my favorite portions of Scripture perfectly describes the responsibility I have, and not just me, all of us who profess to believe in God.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." -1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
We have been chosen to proclaim Christ to the world, to all who surround us, just as John prepared the way for Jesus' ministry, so must we prepare the way for the Holy Spirit to do its work in peoples' lives.
My prayer on this day is that God will ever remind me that He has chosen imperfect me for His ministry. It is not a coincidence. Even when things seem incredibly difficult, impossible even, I am His chosen, and He will guide me out of darkness into His wonderful light. May I declare His praises so that anyone who sees me or comes in contact with me will want to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. May it be so, in His name, for His glory, Amen!
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