A thought about a few men in the new testament.
1.
Joseph
·
King David's descendant.
·
Earthly or Step father of Jesus.
·
A great craftsmen.
But, what did he contribute to
Jesus' ministry and what was he credited for in the bible?
2.
John the Baptist
·
The greatest of all men.
·
Son of a priest. So, born to be a priest.
·
A son born in their parent's old age. Should
have really been a favorite.
·
Chose to live in the wilderness eating wild
honey and locusts.
·
Luke 7:28 - Greatest among all men.
Why did he die so early?
3.
Mathew
·
No background given
·
Due to high probability and many evidences, it
is believed that Mathew wrote a Gospel.
·
A tax collector whom the Jews despised.
·
An apostle of Jesus Christ.
·
Bible mentions him on just witnessing and no
other action is credited to him.
·
God chose Mathew to document the Gospel.
Though he wrote the first book of
the NT, where is there no mention anywhere that he at least worked for Jesus?
4.
Lazarus
·
Was a very close associate of Jesus Christ.
Remember, Jesus wept when Lazarus died. He received the greatest miracle.
·
But, there is no mention of him preaching or
working for Jesus anywhere.
What was his role in Christianity?
5.
Paul
·
Born on 5 AD. This means, he was living at the
same time as Jesus lived and preached.
·
Paul was chosen to be a great Apostle of Jesus
Christ. Jesus himself spoke to him personally to bring him in. Such a hard
person. But God chose him and brought him in.
If Paul was chosen to work big
time for Jesus, why didn't Jesus meet him atleast once personally?
But in the old testament, Moses, Joshua,
Samson, Gideon, David, Solomon, Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezra, Nehemiah and many
prophets stood up for God. Many of these were much talented men and born to be
leaders. All of them had to work or perform alone.
The new testament's case is much different.
Elders and pastors are mentioned in plural for the churches (as opposed to the
current practice). Even Peter and Paul travelled with their mates. We do not
have any account of people who were musicians or worship leaders in the new
testament.
The answer is in 1 Corinthians 12 : 12,13,14
We are just parts which are joined together
in fellowship to form one body i.e., Christ. Beautiful isn't it.
1.
None of the body parts is glorified
individually. None takes credit for
itself.
2.
Even inactive parts are retained in the body.
But, need life within.
3.
Dead parts are immediately removed.
4.
The way every part of the body synchronizes so
well to accomplish one task. (Eh 4 : 16)
5.
The holy spirit unites every part of the body.
(1 Cor 12:13)
6.
Christ is the head of the body (Ep 4 :15)
7.
Over confidence and trying hard tasks without
help from others can cause severe damage.
We may understand that :
- Joseph was chosen only to bring Jesus the blood line of King David.
- John the Baptist was chosen only to prepare the way.
- Mathew (maybe) was chosen only to document the Gospel in a wonderful way.
- Lazarus was chosen only to be a witness of the power of Jesus.
- Paul was chosen to be preach and write primarily to the gentiles and only after Jesus' ascension.
God gives each of us separate responsibilities and expects
us to do them only. These actions contribute a wonderful product which God
makes and takes credit for. We are just small workers of a great product.
This is true fellowship that God expects from us. Fellowship
was not a requirement in the Old testament. Obedience was. For us, we are
expected to live a much higher standard than the old testament men. Fellowship
becomes an important requirement here.
·
- Let us not worry on being without great talents.
- Let us not worry if we do not get recognition
- Let us now worry if we do not get great opportunities.
- God has plans for us and executes them as per his will.
- Our role is to surrender and submit ourselves to form the Body of Christ.
