Wednesday; November 14


          When Jesus taught His disciples about working to influence the world, He chose a different approach.  Jesus’ disciples were about to be challenged to change the world – a world that was controlled by the Roman Empire.  The believers in this new movement would be no match for the powerful military machine, so they would have to figure out another way to exert their influence.  To accomplish this goal, Jesus told a short and simple story, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?  It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.” (Luke 13:20-21).   The answer wasn’t in overpowering the Roman government or even the Jewish religious aristocracy – the way they could accomplish it was being active agents of goodness.  The victory would not be won on the battlefield or in the ballot box, but by influencing one person at a time.
          It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the forces of evil that are prevalent in our world.  It is tempting to believe that there is no way we can win because there are more of them than there are of us – and they seem to have more tools at their disposal.  Yet, the reality is that we have the truth and the power of God is with us.  No, we won’t be able to out-shout our out-slug satan’s forces, but we will be able out outshine them.
          Are we ready to do battle with the world?  Let’s win the victory one day, one soul, one interaction at a time.
          Think About It!

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