DRAWING NEAR
MAY 31
Making Worthless Things Valuable
"The names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon,
who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son
of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas
and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James the son of Alphaeus, and
Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who
betrayed Him" (Matt. 10:2- 4).
The story is told of a great concert violinist who wanted to
prove a point, so he rented a music hall and announced that he would
play a concert on a $20,000 violin. On concert night the music hall
was filled to capacity with music lovers anxious to hear such an
expensive instrument played. The violinist stepped onto the stage,
gave an exquisite performance, and received a thunderous standing
ovation. When the applause subsided, he suddenly threw the violin to
the ground, stomped it to pieces, and walked off the stage. The
audience gasped, then sat in stunned silence.
Within seconds the stage manager approached the microphone and said,
"Ladies and gentlemen, to put you at ease, the violin that was just
destroyed was a $20 violin. The master will now return to play the
remainder of his concert on the $20,000 instrument." At the
conclusion of his concert he received another standing ovation. Few
people could tell the difference between the two violins. His point
was obvious: it isn't the violin that makes the music; it's the
violinist.
The disciples were like $20 violins that Jesus transformed into
priceless instruments for His glory. I trust you've been encouraged
to see how God used them despite their weakness, and I pray you've
been challenged by their strengths. You may not be dynamic like Peter
or zealous like James and Simon, but you can be faithful like Andrew
and courageous like Thaddaeus. Remember, God will take the raw
material of your life and expose you to the experiences and teachings
that will shape you into the servant He wants you to be.
Trust Him to complete what He has begun in you, and commit each day
to the goal of becoming a more qualified and effective disciple.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Make a list of the character traits you most admire in the disciples.
Ask the Lord to increase those traits in your own life.
For Further Study:
Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17, noting Paul's perspective on his own calling.
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
1 Timothy 1:12-17
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He
counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an
insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in
unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith
and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus
Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are
going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is
wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
http://www2.oneplace.com/Ministries/Grace_to_You/
and
http://www.gty.org.uk/
You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
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NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.
In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
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There is a living God. He has spoken in His word. He means just what he says, and will do all that He has promised. - Hudson Taylor
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