Couriers, Kings, and Princes

[S] 2 Chronicles 30:10-12 --

¹⁰So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them.

¹¹Nevertheless some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.

¹²The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the LORD.

[O] I observed two ways God speaks and moves people's hearts: 1) through messengers (couriers) who besr the message of God to masses of people; 2) through leaders (kings/princes) commanding their people directly. In #1, it is a hit-or-miss (perhaps more misses than hits) and only some people will catch the message and respond. In #2, since it comes from the top, most people will follow in unity. Another thing to note in #2 is that God unites the people's hearts through His grace. I feel that most of us fall into the #1 category where we are the mere messengers of God's truth and many will laugh at us, but some of those who responds make it all worthwhile. When God showers His vision to a church, in many times, not all will respond but only some. But behind it all, God's hand is at work and so our tasks of passing on the message should just be that and leave the rest to God. We are seeking co-workers at our church now and as we cast the vision God placed in the leadership of this church, God will also unite the people's hearts to labor together to shine His wonderful light.

[A] Don't get discouraged by the people's responses but be satisfied by how much I am following and obeying God's command.

[P] Dear God, this passage is so encouraging for me because in doing Your works discouragements are bound take place and especially the couriers may be hit the hardest. But as the saying goes, "I'm just a messenger," I do really want to be just the messenger of what You placed on my heart. The rest I surrender to Your grace. May Your name be lifted up high in the midst of our ministry. In Jesus' name. Amen.