Genesis 37

The UN-appreciated instrument (Joseph).

God’s UNdying (or dying) Mission: To bring UNworthy sinners into an UNparalleled relationship with an UNrelenting God whose UNconditional love led to an UNselfish sacrifice by our Savior named Jesus. And how does He get this UNiversal mission message out… through UNlikely instruments like you and me! Let’s UNfold this week’s Immersion about our motion in God’s mission. Here’s a piece about Joseph in the Old Testament:

Joseph is definitely used by God to save people – in this case from a famine. But it was hardly an easy road getting there. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, wrongly accused of rape, thrown into jail and forgotten by men – but not forgotten by God. In His time, God would use Joseph powerfully. Don’t let “un-appreciation” derail your serving the Lord.

Lord, make me humble and patient in my serving like Joseph.

We step into this week celebrating You, Father, giver of all good gifts;

We celebrate You, Jesus, the ultimate gift to the world from the Father;

We celebrate You, Holy Spirit,  who gives us gifts to serve one another in God’s grace; 

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

1 Corinthians 4:19, 21

The UN-tainted instrument (Jesus Christ).

God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them…God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Not only was the cross an instrument, but more so the person hanging on it – an instrument of healing and reconciliation. WOW!

Lord, thank for Jesus, your instrument of healing and reconciliation for me – and the world

Amen.

Jonah 1-2

The UN-willing instrument (Jonah).

We go from the totally-willing, untainted instrument that is Jesus to the totally unwilling, definitely-tainted Jonah. But with the help of a huge storm, a few scared sailors, and a big fish, God gets His instrument in place and in action to help save the sinful-but-beloved-of-God Ninevites from destruction. What does this story cause you to think and feel in relation to your serving God?

Lord, help me with any attitude adjustments that I might need as one of Your instruments.

Amen.

Acts 9:1

The UN-informed instrument (Apostle Paul).

Paul is called “the greatest missionary to ever live”. But he didn’t start out that way. At first, he was an instrument of destruction to the church. Uninformed about Jesus’ Lordship, Paul finally came around and served God with his life, suffering, and death – and still serves today through his New Testament writings. You may have been wrong about God before, but God can set you straight and still use you powerfully!

Lord, I pray [insert your prayer here]

Amen.

Exodus 4:10

The UN-comfortable instrument (Moses).

Sometimes serving God makes us uncomfortable. Moses said it was about his inability to speak, but maybe it was also partly associated with the place and people he was returning to. After all, God was asking him to go to Egypt where he had previously killed someone. Still God wanted to use them there – and did so.

Where is God stretching you beyond your comfort to serve Him? Ask Him about it in prayer…

Lord, I pray [insert your prayer here]

Amen

Ezra 1:1-3

The UN-usual instrument (King Cyrus).

King Cyrus was an unusual instrument because was not a follower of the God of Israel; but God used him anyway. Cyrus helped rebuild the worship center for Israel in Jerusalem, and he let the people of Israel return to worship there. That is God “working in all things to the good of those who love Him… (Romans 8:28)

Lord, I pray [insert your prayer here]

Amen.

Philippians 1:4-6

The UN-finished instrument (You – and me; us).

Paul wrote “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” You and I, my friend, are works in progress – instruments being molded by the hands of God – His workmanship in this world. Let’s play to His glory!

Lord, I pray [insert your prayer here]

Amen.