NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

Day 350 – Week 51 – Who Woulda Thunk?

Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World

Scripture focus: Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this? Isaiah 53:1 The Message

Who indeed would have thought it would turn out like this! God turns everything right-side-up; but to us, it seems as if everything is turned upside-down! We’ve been trained in the ways of this world, where the strong prevail. He who runs the fastest wins the prize. The prettiest garner the most attention. The brightest stars lead the way. The smartest cookies receive the most respect. With this education as our backdrop, it’s easy to understand why we confuse success and satisfaction. Based on all our earthly training – don’t we all assume that in order to experience satisfaction, we darn well better succeed?

This isn’t the way it is in the kingdom of God. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite.

You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 The Message

In a world that relies on impression management, it’s kind of refreshing to realize that God doesn’t need magic tricks or illusions to get our attention. In 1 Corinthians, Paul commentates not only on his personal limitations; he reminds us that even the life of Jesus can be shared in a plain and simple fashion. Jesus is the son of God – he is who he is, and he did what he did – Jesus crucified.

The story is so plainly presented; it’s easy to miss the real deal.

God’s not asking us to become fearless Prince and Princess Warriors with a smooth repertoire and a sterling reputation. He’s the kind of God who takes mere mortals, men and women with very squishy clay feet, and he performs miracles in and through and with them. Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this?

I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else. 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 The Message

I know that most of us have spent a lot of time trying to figure out the secret code to the satisfying life. Guess what? There isn’t one, nor is there a secret handshake, or a magic potion, or an elite club. In order to live with consistent life satisfaction – each of us must make a decision to live as sons and daughters of God. This means, learning from Jesus the unforced rhythms of grace. I know that we’re used to everything being hard and competitive and dog-eat-dog. I also understand how hard it is to lay aside years of pre-programming. All I ask is that you think about it. Which sounds better to you – compete to win and crash if you don’t? Or learn the unforced rhythms of grace? One simple decision – all that’s required.

Recommended reading: Micah 4-6 in the morning; Micah 7 and Revelation 7 in the evening

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