Press the arrow to listen to Chris Tomlin sing “Amazing Grace” (with images from the movie) as you read today’s devotion about humility in ministry.

Scripture
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:15-17

Observation
A pastor is successful not because of himself but in spite of himself and all because of God. But there is a temptation to pivot our success on our good points. Paul knew he could not. Each day he would have had flash backs of the angry tirades of his youth against the very Christians he would serve that day. The church planter had started his career as a church slasher.

In Paul’s mind, his background, or rather lack of it, made God stunningly obvious in all that he did. He couldn’t take the credit, because Jesus called him to serve the church at the very moment he was galloping off to destroy it. There would be no more pride for him of who he knew of and what he knew about. Instead, not just humbled but humiliated, Paul would remember the rest of his life that the only thing he had to offer was Jesus.

Application
I was reflecting the other day over successful church planters I’ve known. As I scrolled through the names, none of them were seminary graduates. Few had stellar backgrounds from godly families. It seemed to me that the successful ones had nothing to offer, they knew they had nothing to offer and were quite comfortable with that.

Application
I had business cards designed yesterday. I didn’t put my academic degrees on there, but some do. I think Paul’s business card would have read, “Saulus Paulus, Chief Sinner”. In that way, everyone would know that everything else was Jesus.

Prayer
Father, the only thing I have to offer today is Jesus. Help me not to forget that. Amen.

Scripture
But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head. So Joseph lifted it to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. “No, my father,” he said. “This one is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused. “I know, my son; I know,” he replied. “Manasseh will also become a great people, but his younger brother will become even greater. And his descendants will become a multitude of nations.” Genesis 48:17-19

Observation
Joseph was like any father, he wanted the best for his sons. He hoped for the right schools and college, boy scouts, little league, and varsity sports…well at least Egyptian style. In Egyptian culture the first born son was nothing short of a demigod. Manasseh would have slept in a special raised bed, unlike his little brother Ephraim who had a mat on the floor. Manasseh was the designated favorite. Bursting with pride in his first born son Joseph hurried his boys to grandpa’s house for a final blessing before he died.

Joseph wanted the best for his sons, but God wanted what was right for them. What Egyptian culture said about the destiny of Mannessah was not God’s plan for the boy. Ephraim would be given more responsibility, not because he was loved any more, but because it was what fitted his potential. The boys were different and God used their differences to please him.

Application
Jacob was relaxed about the unpredictable ways that God uses people, so the old man went with God’s flow. I want to be relaxed about the uneven blessings of God as well, for my children and even for myself. God uses people differently but loves each of us totally. If we can become secure in his love for us then we will be comfortable with the differences in life outcome.

Jacob in a sense said that all people are great. “Manasseh will also become a great people,” he said. This implies that it was not as if one boy were superior and the other inferior, instead they were just different. If I can accept God’s uneven ways I can come to bless those like me who are used in more remarkable ways. I can come to accept the uniqueness of the way that God uses me.

Prayer
Father, I chose today to base my security not in my life outcome but in the fact that I loved by you. You bless me because you love me. That blessing is different for me than for others because I am unique. And because I am unique you love me differently than all the rest. I thank you that each of us is so greatly loved we would be excused to think we were the only ones on earth loved by you. Thank you for the unevenness of life, for it shows me that you know me personally and give me what fits me best. Amen.