Trying to be G-d

After staying up all night trying unsuccessfully to convince Bob Dylan to accept Jesus as the Messiah, the Messianic singer songwriter Keith Green came home and opened his journal, frustrated, he recorded these few simple words, “Tried to be the Holy Spirit to Bob Dylan tonight.”

Perhaps like me you have labored under the false notion that the salvation of those around you relies on how well you represent or articulate the gospel of Messiah Yeshua. Perhaps you have been under the impression that to, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” (Mattitiyahu /Matthew 28:19) means that every believer has a quota to fill. If so, then you and I have been greatly deceived. Frankly, G-d doesn't need our help but He does invite us to participate with Him in reconciling the world through His Son Yeshua—Jesus.  Does that mean you should never consider sharing your faith? No, of course not, but it does mean that your personal perfection is not necessary for the salvation of others. Think of it as a fishing trip with Dad. The weights off, you’re not obligated to make disciples, you’re instructed. You’re not needed, but you are invited.

On the other hand, perhaps you consider yourself a soul winning super hero for Jesus—Yeshua? Maybe you've clocked up one hundred or more salvation prayers or a thousand baptisms? You might be articulate, educated, gifted in the art of communication? No matter how articulate you are, you are never articulate enough. No matter how gifted or how educated you may be, not one among your ample arsenal of skills has won, or will ever win you a single convert. Why? Because, “It is not by might or by power but by My Spirit says The L-rd Shaddai.” (Zechariah 4:6) Why? Because, “These are the things G-d has revealed to us by His Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:10) That’s right, not by your intellect, not by your skill or personality or your zeal, not by your might but by G-d’s Spirit.

Stop, reset, and return to the face of Messiah Yeshua. You will never meet your quota because in order to meet a quota you must first have been given one. You will never be able to claim the salvation of another because it is by G-d’s Spirit that He reveals His Son as the path to reconciliation. (Mattitiyahu /Matthew 16:15-17)

Yeshua has said, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mattitiyahu/Matthew 11:28-30)

© 2013 Yaakov Brown