The Lord Needs You
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Final Phase
The Lord Needs You
by J. Randal Matheny
As they were untying the colt, its owners
asked them, "Why are you untying that
colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs it."
(Luke 19:33,34 NET).
Jesus had sent two disciples into Bethany to get
the colt for what we call today the triumphal
entry. He told them where to find it and what to
say to the owners: "The Lord needs it."
In one sense, the Lord needs nothing of ours nor
of us. To an Israel addicted to formal religion he
declared:
"I do not need to take a bull from your household
or goats from your sheepfolds. For every wild
animal in the forest belongs to me, as well as the
cattle that graze on a thousand hills. I keep
track of every bird in the hills, and the insects
of the field are mine. Even if I were hungry, I
would not tell you, for the world and all it
contains belong to me." (Psalm 50:9-12).
He wanted sincere worship from Israel, not because
he needed it, but as adoration of the heart on the
worshipers' part.
There is nothing I can do for God. He has no
personal need that I can fulfill. As God he is
self-sufficient and complete.
In another sense, however, the Lord has seen fit
to use our lives and acts for his kingdom. Jesus
told the Twelve:
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and
appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that
remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my
name he will give you" (John 15:16).
What Jesus says to the Twelve here is also true of
every Christian. By his graciousness, he has made
Man a part of his work to save others.
In this sense, then, it is appropriate to say, as
Jesus did of the colt, that he needs us.
So when a mother is discouraged about her
children, the Lord needs you to cheer her.
When a child is frustrated or sad or hungry in
this world, the Lord needs you to care for him.
When you meet someone who has yet to obey the
divine commandment, the Lord needs you to teach
that person.
When false teachings creep into the church, the
Lord needs you to stand up and speak the truth
clearly and lovingly.
When funds are in short supply to do the work, the
Lord needs you to be generous.
When tempers flare and harsh words begin to fly,
the Lord needs you to act as a peacemaker.
In the family, the Lord needs you to fulfill your
role. In society, he needs you to be salt and
light. In the church, he needs you to be a pillar
for truth and platform for peace.
To be coworkers with God, as Paul said in 2
Corinthians 6:1, is a humbling and glorious
thought.
To have been chosen by him to go and bear fruit in
this world as a part of his great mission leaves
our heart in great awe, gives speed to our feet,
and strength to our hands when we hear him say,
"The Lord needs you."
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