April 3, 2012 (Judges 17-18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT
Observation: Paul was making it clear to the Corinthians that a letter of recommendation is not what qualifies a person to be accepted as a spiritual leader. Although educational degrees and personal recommendations can be an asset in the ministry, these are not the things that qualify us. It takes the Spirit of God abiding in a person to mold them into an adequate messenger. The gospel message cannot be properly conveyed in human strength alone, for without the Spirit the message is dead. It’s the Spirit of God that qualifies us, for we can do nothing on our own.
Application: O how we have missed the message in this verse. In today’s time Peter, James and John would not even be considered for ministry. They were uneducated fishermen that had no Seminary degree or college education. They would be nothing more than second class Christians in our time today at best. Surly they would be told to sit down and shut up because they don’t know what their talking about! Yet, these are the very type men Jesus chose to entrust the gospel message with. I dare say Jesus did more with uneducated fishermen than we can do with a vast number with Masters of Divinity degrees. God help us realize the source of our understanding and strength!
Prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You this morning with no degree. I have no higher education other than what Your Spirit has provided for me. In the worlds eye, I am unqualified and merely second class at best, yet I know You have chosen men like me to carry the true gospel message to the ends of the earth. My qualification and strength come from You alone, I can do nothing on my own. Thank You for Your Spirit that fills me and qualifies me. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily. Thank You for the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses me and makes me whole. Thank You for the privilege of repentance, in Jesus name, Amen!
Amen. I couldn’t help but think of the story of the man blind since birth whom Jesus healed and who testified to the Pharisees, making them look foolish in the process. Human arrogance always comes up short against the gospel of Jesus Christ.