As a Christian I am always tempted by asking Judas’ question of John 14:22, “Why me? Why have you revealed yourself to me and not everyone else?” It’s a good question. There’s nothing remarkable about me. I am quite tall, but I don’t think of that as a quality God especially considers. Other than that, I was an average agnostic. Not too bad, but a lot worse than most. Why me?
Why not the millions suffering in East Africa. Why not Bill Gates or someone with the power to transform the crisis with a wave of their wallet? Why are the saved and unsaved alike dying by the thousand in Africa?
In short, I am undeserving of the gift that has been given.
Of course, this is a good and Godly perception of reality, yet it is something I wrestle with daily and at its worst can edge close to an idea that is most unhelpful and destructive. That idea is, “Maybe You don’t know best, Lord.”
Jesus gives a rough approximation of the people God is searching for. Obedient. Spirit-filled. Constantly taught and constantly reminded of God’s greatest. Those that welcome the Son in and through him, get the Father as well. The gift is a peace of mind, heart and soul that the world cannot give and cannot destroy. Entirely undeserving, our only responsibility is to welcome it and give thanks for the sacrifice that made it possible.
As Job said, “I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.” and so it often is with our walk with God.
Pray that the suffering people of Africa receive that sacrifice in thanks, that missionaries continue their vital work unmolested. That Jesus is welcomed into more people’s hearts so that whatever the suffering, they face it with the joy of Christ within them. That should they suffer to the point of death, they will be welcomed into their Father’s arms and experience true joy in Heaven. In short, pray that no unsaved soul dies in Africa.
Bible Passage
John 14:22-30
22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”
23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. 29 I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.
30 “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, 31 but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.
Job 42:2-6
2 “I know that you can do anything,
and no one can stop you.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’
It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
things far too wonderful for me.
4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!
I have some questions for you,
and you must answer them.’
5 I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
6 I take back everything I said,
and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”