[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2025]
I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Acts 26 v9 [ESVUK]
Saul of Tarsus was convinced that he was working for God, that he was doing what God wanted him to do. Later in his life he came to realise that he should not be doing what he had been doing. Are there times when we too are surprised by the realisation that what we think we are doing for God is not actually what he wants us to do?
When we look at the story of Gideon we see a man who thought that he could not do what God was asking of him. The task was too great, the resources were not what was needed and God was asking the wrong man.
Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
Judges 6 v15 [ESVUK]
Yet the record shows that, with God’s help, Gideon achieved the necessary outcome. Are we tempted to suggest that someone else could make a better job of what we are being asked to do? Moses tried that line of argument but it did not convince God,[1] who uses our nothingness to achieve his plans.
The account of Jonah introduces us to a man who was not willing to do what God commanded – it was contrary to his political opinion and he took steps so that he would not have to comply. God’s instruction was to go to Nineveh and warn its residents of the forthcoming judgement, a judgement that, in Jonah’s opinion, they deserved. Jonah tried to avoid obeying but eventually he complied and, contrary to his own wishes, the city was saved. Jonah’s resentment has been recorded:
Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing
Jonah 4 v2 [NIVUK]
Are you tempted to make judgements about who is worthy of salvation? Do you get upset if your prejudices are challenged? Take heed of God’s question to Jonah: “Is it right for you to be angry?”
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Nehemiah was a man of prayer who was given a mission from God, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and to re-establish an ordered and equitable society. He knew what he should do and resolved that, with God’s help, he could do it. He made use of the resources available to him to ensure that he would do it.
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds which I have done for the house of my God and for his service.
Nehemiah 13 v14 [ESVUK]
These accounts remind us of people who achieved great things by their (albeit eventual) obedience and willingness to be involved in God’s work. We also see that God has a way of making life uncomfortable for those who take a “shan’t, can’t, won’t” attitude.
How will you respond when you hear the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”[3]
References:
[1] Exodus 4:13
[2] Jonah 4:4
[3] Isaiah 6:8
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
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