LIVING AS APPRENTICES

I was washing dishes today (shades of Brother Lawrence!) when I heard a phrase in a Christmas CD that my son made for me in 1999. It had been background music, but  something made me pay attention to the words.  Joseph was questioning “Why me?” and “Why Mary?”  And then came the phrase: “I’m not one to second guess, but this is such a strange way to save the world!”*

What a truth!  Jesus birth was “such a strange way to save the world.” A child was born under skies of stars and angels and worshiped by shepherds and wise travelers alike – and then threatened with death before he was 2 years old.  A strange way to introduce the King of the Universe!  And yet would anyone have paid attention if it had been arranged some other way? Would we even know who Jesus is today if he had been born in a middle class family in Jerusalem?

We question the way Joseph did every day.  And we have good precedents in the Old Testament.  Abraham and Sarah,  Joseph, Moses,  Rahab, Samuel, David, Esther, Isaiah,  Jeremiah, Jonah  Hosea . . . . . all must have thought “Why me?” and “This is such a strange way to save the world!”

So here’s a lesson from Advent this year:  When God calls, nudges, or  invites you to take part in his kingdom work, go ahead and ask the question, “Why me?” But then answer by saying “Because God is asking me.”  And when it has become clear what God wants you to do, go ahead and say, “I’m not one to second guess, but this is such a strange way to save the world.”  Because though it may be very strange, it definitely will be a part of God’s plan to save the world.  Then like all of the Biblical giants,especially Joseph, go ahead and step out.  Collaborating with God is a moment you don’t want to miss.

*The song was Strange Way to Save the World by 4HIM