January 22 - Crunch Time

 Read today’s texts first: Exodus 3-5; Luke 22

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

God prefers helplessness to pride – He can exalt the humble, but there’s no help or hope for the proud. 

I like to think I’m ready for the big pressure situations.  I enjoy playing tennis with a better player to see how well I can keep my focus.  Sometimes, just an “I-can-do-it” attitude provides enough of an advantage to get me back in the game.  Both of today’s readings cover life-and-death decisions: Moses being asked to follow God back to Egypt (where he’s wanted for murder), and Christ’s disciples deciding if they want to follow Him to the cross. 

It’s easy to laugh at their pathetic excuses, and say “that would never happen to me!” (Peter said the same thing).  I certainly talk a good game, but I have no idea how I would react if my life was on the line.  I’ve been reading the Bible League’s devotional guide with stories from the persecuted church - they are literally laying down their lives for the gospel.  Have I been too spoiled by Canadian freedom and prosperity to be willing to join them?

At least Moses, for all his lame excuses, finally said yes.  What a difference between this 80 year-old shepherd and the brash 40 year-old who tried to deliver his people in his own strength.  I think God prefers our helplessness to pride – He can exalt the humble, but there’s nothing He can do with a proud man (except knock him down a notch or two!).

“Lord, I often face my own version of crunch time.  My life may not be on the line, but my integrity often is.  Fortunately the promise You gave to Moses and Your disciples applies to me.  You are with me.  Your name ‘I Am’ means You are present tense: the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Peter and Rob!”