Friday, March 18, 2011

Out-Of-Box Vision

OUT-OF-BOX VISION
Matthew 28:16-20
The Message vv. 16-17: “…eleven disciples were on their way back to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw Him, they worshipped Him. Some, though held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.”

“Why do you always put someone, or something down?” Shakira asked Keith. (See Jesus’ Ambassadors of Peace devotion).

“I don’t!” Keith defended himself.

“Yes you do. If you were confident, I don’t think you’d always criticize everything.” Shakira insisted.

Keith’s brown eyes bore into Shakira’s green eyes. “I don’t have many friends, like you do, Shak.”

“I’ll be your friend, Keith.”

Jesus’ vision about the whole world receiving His offer of salvation still freaks people out. Most believers hold back—just as some disciples did. Why do you think Jesus’ command is called “the Great Commission?" When someone first hears it, they’re overwhelmed. But when we let go—and let Jesus steer our lives—we’re surprised at how do-able His command is.

People hide in boxes that they erect to protect themselves. Just as a few disciples wouldn’t worship Jesus in the opening Scripture, His kids hold back today—remaining safe in their comfort zones—their boxes. But their vision is blocked inside these boxes.

One side of the box is Fear. What will family and friends react to my going “all Jesus” on them? Although most of us won’t evangelize in foreign lands as missionaries, we worry about what others think about us at home.

Pride walls another side. People don’t want to surrender to another, even if it’s to God, Himself. No way! I want to control my own life. Isn’t that what free will is all about? they rationalize. Not true. The ONLY thing people have any control over is to either accept or reject Jesus Christ as Lord. All other actions spring from that decision—except perhaps what foods to eat, and other minor decisions. Truly, most things are out of our control.

Conditional obedience erects our box’s third side. Inconvenience (in-kon-VEN-i-ens means hassle, bother) is often what prohibits total obedience. How lame is that? (I suppose any excuse will do, when people disobey God). Feeling Unworthy for the God’s task is the fourth wall in the box. How convenient!

These self-made prisons inside our comfort box block our vision. But when we’re brave enough to kick down just one wall of our box, we’re amazed at how God can equip us to do the extraordinary!

Take Home Nugget


God’s love encircles and penetrates the whole world. Through His kids, everyone in the whole can hear about Jesus, if we just climb out of our own jail-house boxes.

We don’t need to see where we’re going, if we trust the One Who’s leading.

J.D. Griffith
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